Single-use plastic waste has become a global concern, especially due to its significant contribution to water pollution. Among the various types of single-use plastics, milk bags are a major culprit. Despite their superior quality, these milk bags often end up in landfills. Rag pickers avoid collecting them due to their strong smell and propensity to attract flies. In 2019, recognising the need for action, Hansu Pardiwala, Kunti Oza, and Chitra Hiremath took matters into their own hands and initiated the Milk Bag Project to divert milk packets from landfills and promote recycling.
Starting from their neighbourhoods, they began collecting milk packets to send them for recycling. Typically, milk bags are discarded without proper consideration, leading to a significant waste stream.
The trio recognised the potential of recycling milk packets due to their high-quality plastic composition, known as LDP (Liquid Density High Plastic). Chitra, who thinks that recycling milk bags could make a substantial impact on reducing plastic waste says, ’So we have to curtail our single use consumption and take adequate steps to make sure that plastic reaches proper channels for recycling.’
To raise awareness and encourage responsible disposal of milk packets, the founders created a simple video on ethical discarding practices. This video, along with their determination, sparked interest and support from people across the country. ’It was a small nudge that we got and acted on, and it then snowballed into something significant. We have collected 50 lakh and counting milk packets so far, and the number is actually much more than that,’, Chitra adds.
Hansu, who has been actively trying to make the project run on autopilot mode says, ’We initially received calls from Jaipur and Kolkata, and people asked us to collect milk bags from them as well. It was not like a movement, but at least it encouraged and reassured us that we were on the right path.’
Initially, the project faced difficulties in finding recyclers willing to accept the relatively small quantities of milk packets collected. ’We were not able to find recyclers because we were getting 1-2 kg every week, and 5-7 kgs in a month,’ she adds.
However, they have a dedicated team managing the entire project today, including collection, segregation, and transportation to recycling centres.
The Milk Bag Project has come a long way, with their collection of milk packets surpassing 5 million - and still counting. The project's success can be attributed to the simplicity of its idea and the commitment of its team members. As more companies, schools, and communities join the cause, the project's impact continues to grow exponentially.
However, Hansu, Kunti, and Chitra acknowledge that there is still a long way to go. They believe that collective efforts, widespread awareness, and responsible consumer behaviour are crucial to solving this pressing environmental challenge.