Maharashtra and Coca-Cola Expand PET Bottle Recycling Initiative in Thane

The Government of Maharashtra, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) have expanded the Maha r-PET Abhiyaan in Thane with new initiatives to boost the collection and recycling of used PET bottles. The expansion includes the inauguration of the Thane PET Collection Centre, dedicated collection bins, and the introduction of the Maha r-PET Abhiyaan Participation Certificate and Green Cool Dukaan Sticker for retailers. Three electric vehicles were also launched to support collection operations, and benches made from recycled PET plastic were unveiled to demonstrate the initiative's impact.

The Thane PET Collection Centre will serve as a hub for aggregating and collecting used PET bottles, strengthening the recovery and recycling process. The program aims to encourage residents to segregate used PET bottles at the source, while retailers contributing to the collection effort will be recognized through participation certificates and stickers. The electric vehicles will enhance last-mile collection efficiency across Thane.

Smt. Pankaja Munde, Hon'ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra, emphasized the importance of community participation in the initiative. She noted that the 'use and throw' culture is being replaced by 'use and collect,' highlighting the initiative's potential to create greater awareness and participation across Maharashtra. Avinash Kant Kumar, Head of Integrated Supply Chain at HCCB, underscored the need for collaboration across the value chain to build a robust recycling ecosystem.

The Maha r-PET Abhiyaan is a statewide movement focused on improving the collection, recovery, and recycling of used PET bottles through awareness, source segregation, and community participation. The initiative aims to reduce landfill burden and support circular economy objectives by channeling used PET bottles into the recycling value chain.