New York Municipal waste shipped to Kochi
Kochi (PTI): The Kerala State Pollution Control Board on Thursday said New York Municipal waste, including plastic and biodegradable food substances, were found mixed with paper waste in the three containers shipped from the United States and has recommended that it should be immediately sent back to the country of origin.
There was no question of allowing the prohibited and objectionable material in the country, KSPCB chairman G Rajmohan said.
"The report on the findings in the containers has been submitted to the customs authorities," he said.
The containers, which had been imported two weeks ago, were examined in detail by four senior officials of the board and customs officers today.
Plastic waste, biodegradable food waste, glass pieces and packing material of computer accessories were found mixed in the waste paper consignment, Rajmohan told PTI.
While one container had about 40 per cent of the prohibited municipal garbage, the quantum was about 25-40 per cent in the two others consignments, totally weighing 60 tonnes, he said.
Action, if necessary, has to be taken by the customs against the importer Kochin Kadlas, a kraft paper manufacturing company, he said.
Customs deputy collector N S Ramachandran said the containers had a mixture of garbage, plastic and wastepaper.
A showcause notice would be issued to the importer and action would be taken under the relevant customs act.
The board had appointed a four-member high level committee to examine the containers after the Customs wanted a detailed examination of the contents.
