Waste papers of Goa govt depts to turn into books, note pads

Panaji: Waste paper from govt departments may soon have a new lease of life, as it will be used to recycle and manufacture books. The Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) has taken up a pilot project under which approximately 30 metric tonnes of outdated and obsolete textbooks were collected for recycling.

Through this process, the waste paper is being converted into useful products, including 2,200 recycled journals, 10,500 conference pads, and 3.5 boxes of A4-size copier paper, which will be supplied for educational and administrative purposes.

GWMC has initiated a paper waste recycling programme to promote sustainable waste management and effective use of resources across the State.

Earlier, paper waste generated by govt departments was being sent to waste management facilities for disposal and processing, resulting in expenditure towards its handling without any direct benefit to govt.

GWMC managing director Harish Adconkar said that the corporation has proposed a structured system for the collection, secure shredding, recycling, and reuse of waste paper generated by govt offices and educational Institutions.

“Under the initiative, paper waste collected from govt departments and educational institutions will be shredded under the supervision of authorised officials and subsequently recycled into useful paper products such as conference pads, journals, spiral notebooks, and A4 copier paper. These recycled products will then be supplied back to govt departments for official use,” said Adconkar.

Adconkar said that the corporation plans to expand this initiative across the state by collecting outdated textbooks, notebooks, answer sheets, and other paper waste from schools, colleges, and educational institutions. In the coming years, GWMC also aims to bring all paper waste generated by govt departments, corporations, autonomous bodies and educational institutions, and panchayats under this recycling programme.

“The initiative is expected to provide several benefits, including reduction in paper waste sent for disposal, reduction in expenditure on waste handling, decreased use of virgin paper, conservation of natural resources, and lower procurement costs of stationery items required by govt departments. The programme will also help reduce the environmental impact associated with paper production and disposal while promoting responsible use of resources,” he said.