Kochi: In a first of its kind in the state, Kochi Metro Rail Limited has introduced plastic bottle recycling machines in selected metro stations from Aluva to Palarivattom. KMRL has installed the facility in three Metro stations as part of its green initiatives to make the city environmentally-friendly. Plastic bottles can be disposed at the machines for recycling and recycled products can be recovered. The first recycling machine was inaugurated at Palarivattom Metro station on Wednesday.

Customers who use the facility will be given incentives by KMRL by providing discount coupons in selected commercial outlets. South Indian Bank is purchasing the first three machines using Corporate Social Responsibility funds. KMRL will provide space for installing the machines in Metro stations in unpaid areas, so that public, other than the Metro commuters can dispose used plastic bottles. Wild West Media, manufacturers of the machine, will be responsible for its operation and maintenance.

KMRL managing director Elias George and managing director and CEO of South Indian Bank V.G. Mathew jointly inaugurated the facility at Palarivattom Metro station. "Kochi Metro aims at becoming one of the greenest metro systems in the world. We aim to have more recycling machines in other metro stations in collaboration with private partners like the South Indian Bank. Like the Transgender initiative, we are also hopeful that this project will be emulated by other agencies in Kerala, since plastic PET bottles are a primary contributor to Kerala's garbage", said Mr. George.