Patna: A unique model of plastic waste management and women empowerment is emerging in Bihar’s Supaul district, where women associated with self-help groups are taking charge of Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMUs) and turning waste into a source of livelihood.
Through these units, Jeevika Didis are not only ensuring safe disposal of plastic waste but are also creating sustainable employment opportunities for themselves. More than two dozen women in the district have already gained regular employment opportunities at the panchayat and block levels and are earning thousands of rupees through waste management activities.
Women Lead Plastic Waste Management in Five Blocks of Supaul
Plastic waste disposal has remained a major environmental challenge in both rural and urban areas. To address this issue, the Rural Development Department launched waste management initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan (LSBA).
Under this initiative:
- Waste Processing Units (WPUs) were established at the panchayat level.
- Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMUs) were set up at the block level.
- Women from self-help groups were trained to operate these units.
In Supaul, PWMUs in five blocks — Basantpur, Chhatapur, Kishanpur, Pipra and Supaul Sadar — are being operated by Jeevika Didis.
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56,135 Kg Plastic Waste Processed, Women Earn Over ₹2 Lakh
The PWMUs operate on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, where trained women handle various stages of plastic waste management.
The activities include:
- Collection of plastic waste from households
- Sorting and segregation
- Dust removal
- Shredding
- Baling and packaging
According to officials, Jeevika women in Supaul have successfully processed around:
- 56,135 kg of plastic waste
- Generated ₹2,10,622 in net profit
The initiative has provided rural women with stable employment while supporting their economic and social empowerment.
Modern Machines Installed with ₹80 Lakh Investment
To improve the efficiency of plastic waste processing, advanced machinery has been installed across the PWMUs in Supaul.
Key details:
- Total investment: ₹80 lakh
- Cost per PWMU machine setup: ₹16 lakh
The units are equipped with:
- Dust remover machines
- Shredding machines
- Baling machines
These machines help clean collected plastic waste, cut it into smaller pieces and prepare bundles that are later sold to different industries for recycling and reuse.
Plastic Waste Management Brings Environmental and Economic Change
The initiative has created a positive impact on rural communities by reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices.
Officials said the programme has helped in:
- Removing plastic waste from villages
- Protecting land and water resources
- Improving rural cleanliness
- Creating local employment opportunities
- Encouraging women-led entrepreneurship
Agencies are also being connected with the programme for purchasing processed plastic waste, which will further promote entrepreneurship and generate more employment opportunities in the state.
Government Focuses on Women Empowerment Through Livelihood Programmes
Bihar Rural Development Department said that plastic waste management units under the Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan are providing new livelihood opportunities to rural women and Jeevika Didis.
Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar said that waste management and processing activities are helping women achieve financial independence while improving cleanliness in villages.
He added that the government is continuously providing financial assistance and credit support to encourage self-employment and rural entrepreneurship.
