Maharashtra Expands PET Recycling Initiative in Thane with New Collection Centre
The Government of Maharashtra, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) have expanded the Maha r-PET Abhiyaan in Thane with the launch of a dedicated PET Collection Centre. The initiative aims to improve the collection, segregation, and recycling of used PET bottles across the city. The program included the introduction of used PET Collection Bins, the Maha r-PET Abhiyaan Participation Certificate, and Green Cool Dukaan Sticker for retailers. Three electric vehicles were also flagged off to support collection operations, and benches made from recycled PET plastic were unveiled.
The event was attended by key figures including Smt. Pankaja Munde, Hon'ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Environment & Climate Change, and Mr. Himanshu Priyadarshi, VP and Chief Public Affairs of HCCB. The Thane PET Collection Centre will serve as a central facility for aggregating and collecting used PET bottles, supported by a network of collection partners and retailers. The initiative encourages residents to segregate used PET bottles at the source and recognizes retailers who contribute to the collection effort.
Pankaja Munde emphasized the shift from a 'use and throw' culture to 'use and collect,' highlighting the importance of community participation in environmental protection. Avinash Kant Kumar, Head of Integrated Supply Chain at HCCB, noted that the initiative strengthens the recycling ecosystem by improving the recovery and channelization of used PET bottles. The Maha r-PET Abhiyaan seeks to reduce landfill burden and support circular economy objectives through dedicated infrastructure and community engagement.