The Era of Throwaway Bottles Is Ending: Waste to Be Transformed into Useful Products
In a significant step towards environmental protection and better plastic waste management, the Maharashtra government, Thane Municipal Corporation, and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) have expanded the Maha r-PET campaign.
Anil Bedag
Oct 3, 2026 07:52
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Mumbai (Anil Bedag): In a significant step towards environmental protection and better plastic waste management, the Maharashtra government, Thane Municipal Corporation, and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) have expanded the Maha r-PET campaign. A new PET collection centre was inaugurated in Thane to encourage the collection, sorting, and recycling of used plastic bottles. The initiative also saw the launch of dedicated collection bins, Green Cool Shop stickers for retailers, and participation certificates. Additionally, three electric vehicles were flagged off to strengthen the collection system.
Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde highlighted the importance of public participation in the campaign, stating that the time has come to collect used bottles instead of throwing them away. She added that following Thane, the initiative is planned to be extended to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik, and Beed. Under the campaign, a network of collection partners and retailers is being developed to ensure that collected PET bottles reach authorised recycling channels.
Recycled PET plastic benches were also unveiled at the event, demonstrating how plastic waste can be transformed into useful products. According to Avinash Kant Kumar of HCCB, collaboration and improved traceability are essential across the entire process, from collection to processing. The initiative marks an important step towards enhancing plastic recovery and promoting the efficient use of resources.
