Kedarnath, the widely-known and greatly revered Shiva temple is a pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of devotees. Over time, littering on the premises has erupted as a problem, disturbing the sanctity of the temple and increasing plastic pollution. To overcome this obstacle, Recykal proposed Deposit Refund System Project to SDM, Ukhimath on 3rd May 2022.
What exactly is the process of a Deposit Refund System?
The deposit refund system boosts accountability by levying a ‘Green Deposit’ of 10 rupees per item on plastic products sold in the vicinity. Given below is the step-by-step procedure of DRS:
- Recykal provides the vendors with QR codes that keep track of sold plastic items.
- The vendors put these codes on all plastic products including bottles, packaged items, etc.
- The buyers get a refund on returning this waste at the Deposit Refund Centres.
- The waste collected goes to the hub by waste collectors.
- It is then upcycled to create various products.
Using technology for a social cause
Recykal deployed a 15-member team to Kedarnath temple and town. This team conducted activities to educate shopkeepers on the DRS. The team is also distributing the QR codes for bottles in each shop. The system works wonders in connecting waste collectors, vendors, and recyclers in one cycle, earning recognition as a technology pioneer by the World Economic Forum.
Merits of the Deposit Refund System
After the release of a mandate by the SDM, Ukhimath to all the shops in adopting the system, Recykal has been successful in distributing QR codes to all the 65 shops at Kedarnath without a hassle. This system has made the pilgrims and shopkeepers more sensitive to the issue of waste management by bringing in credibility.
Innovative steps like the deposit refund system are just what we need in solving the plastic pollution problem while spreading awareness against ill practices like littering public spaces. The motto of this project has been to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of the premises. The project is first of its kind in the country and is gaining recognition among the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath.