Surat: Dumping of hotfix waste has emerged as a growing concern for residents and the civic body, with nearly five tonnes of plastic waste generated by hotfix units being dumped in open plots across the city every day. The volume has increased gradually over the past few years.Until recently, the waste was collected by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and sent to the dumping site for processing. However, as the quantity increased substantially, the civic body’s solid waste department stopped regular collection. With waste continuing to pile up, hotfix units began dumping it in open spaces.In some instances, unidentified persons have also been found burning the waste at different locations, posing a risk to nearby residents and property.The SMC has issued notices to 2,054 hotfix units directing them to make their own arrangements for waste disposal and has also sealed the warehouse of an importer. However, the problem remains unresolved. Facing growing political pressure, the civic body is now increasing the number of vehicles deployed to collect hotfix waste from different parts of the city.The notices issued to the units state that the plastic being used is thinner than the permissible limit and is meant for single use. Despite the alleged violations, the SMC is now having to step in to collect and dispose of the waste.“Hotfix units have been operating in Varachha and other parts of the city for the past 10 years. SMC was collecting and disposing of their waste until recently, but the collection has suddenly become irregular,” said AAP municipal councillor Dharmesh Bhanderi.SMC officials, however, said the plastic in question is prohibited. “The use of this type of plastic has increased in recent years, which is why SMC started taking action. We are now working on a mechanism to dispose of the waste safely without harming the environment,” said an SMC officer.
