Key Highlights of the Project:

• Operational Plastic Waste Recycling Plant since October 2015.
• Collection from LSGDs, schools, organizations, and households.
• Promotes responsible plastic disposal and recycling practices.
• Reduces landfill burden and environmental pollution.
• Supports community engagement and education programs.
• Encourages a circular economy through sustainable reuse.
• Collaboration with local authorities and government agencies.
• Serves as a model for waste management in the district.

Plastic pollution has become a serious environmental and public health issue in Kasaragod district, with non-biodegradable waste accumulating in landfills, water bodies, and public spaces. The lack of proper waste management infrastructure and awareness among residents contributed to environmental degradation and posed challenges to sustainable development.

Recognizing this urgent need, Oleena initiated the Plastic Waste Recycling Plant in October 2015 to provide a structured and effective solution for plastic waste management. The project was launched in collaboration with Local Self-Government Departments (LSGDs), local authorities, and partner organizations, ensuring community participation and alignment with governmental regulations and policies.

The primary goal of the project is to reduce plastic waste through systematic collection, recycling, and responsible disposal. By providing a centralized facility for processing plastic, Oleena ensures that harmful materials do not end up in landfills or water bodies. Over time, the project has grown into a comprehensive environmental initiative, integrating waste management technology, community education, and sustainable practices.

The plant also acts as a hub for awareness and outreach, where residents, schools, and institutions are educated on the environmental impact of plastic and the importance of reducing usage. By addressing both behavioral change and technical solutions, Oleena has created a replicable model of responsible waste management.

With continued support from local government, LSGDs, and partner NGOs, the project has successfully reduced the volume of plastic waste in Kasaragod, fostered a culture of environmental responsibility, and contributed to broader sustainability goals in the district. The initiative exemplifies how community collaboration, education, and infrastructure can work hand-in-hand to address pressing environmental challenges.

The Plastic Waste Recycling Plant Project in Kasaragod is primarily funded through support from Local Self-Government Departments (LSGDs) and Panchayats, who provide financial assistance, infrastructure, and operational support for waste collection and recycling activities.

Additional funding and resources are contributed by partner NGOs and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, which assist in awareness campaigns, community engagement, and recycling infrastructure.

Oleena further supplements the project with internal resources, including administrative support, volunteer mobilization, and operational management, ensuring consistent and sustainable functioning of the plant.

This combination of government funding, partner support, and internal contributions enables Oleena to manage plastic waste effectively, promote recycling, and educate the community on sustainable environmental practices.

Oleena’s Plastic Waste Recycling initiative goes beyond collection and processing — a core focus is raising awareness among local communities about the hazards of plastic pollution and the benefits of recycling. Regular workshops, training sessions, and interactive campaigns are conducted for residents, school students, and local institutions to educate them on proper segregation, disposal, and reduction of plastic usage.

The awareness program is tailored to inspire behavioral change. Students are engaged through school programs and competitions that highlight the importance of minimizing single-use plastics. Local residents are encouraged to adopt sustainable alternatives, segregate their waste at the source, and actively participate in recycling drives. Panchayats and community groups receive guidance on implementing local policies for plastic management and organizing collective clean-up initiatives.

Oleena’s team also works closely with businesses, organizations, and LSGDs to ensure that waste management practices are practical, scalable, and compliant with environmental standards. Information campaigns, awareness posters, and community meetings reinforce the importance of responsible plastic usage and highlight the plant’s recycling process, demonstrating how individuals’ actions contribute to a larger environmental impact.

Through these efforts, Oleena is creating a culture of environmental responsibility, ensuring that recycling becomes a norm rather than an exception. The program not only reduces plastic waste but also fosters community ownership and pride, empowering citizens to actively protect their surroundings. By combining education, infrastructure, and collaboration, Oleena ensures that the Plastic Waste Recycling Plant serves as both a practical solution and a catalyst for sustainable change across Kasaragod.