Tieedi Permaculture Foundation has partnered with global packaging giant Tetra Pak to introduce a structured recycling system for used beverage cartons in Darjeeling. The initiative aims to streamline waste management while uplifting informal waste workers by providing formal recognition, training, and healthcare support.
The project establishes a decentralized collection network, enabling households and businesses to recycle aseptic beverage cartons efficiently. The collected cartons will be sent to KhatemaFibres in Uttarakhand for recycling into paper products, e-commerce packaging, and composite materials used in various industries. Additionally, students from Sonada Degree College will assist in gathering data on waste workers, enhancing research-driven waste management practices.
The initiative holds economic significance in Siliguri, a key trading hub connecting North Bengal and the Northeast. With increasing commercial activity, waste management has become a pressing concern. The integration of a formal recycling network can provide businesses with sustainable disposal solutions, fostering environmental responsibility and compliance with evolving waste regulations. UtsowPradhan, Founder of Tieedi, emphasized the long-overdue recognition of waste workers, while Juhi Gupta, Sustainability Director at Tetra Pak South Asia, highlighted the partnership’s role in setting a benchmark for decentralized recycling models in the region.
