How 2 Anantnag youth built a business from what others threw away

Anantnag, Apr 26: Two youths from a village in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district have set up a plastic recycling unit, converting plastic scrap into a source of income while strengthening local waste management and sustainability efforts.

Imtiyaz Ahmad, a 10+2 pass, and Javaid Ahmad, a graduate, both in their mid-30s from Turka-Tachloo village, started their venture, MA Brothers in 2021 with an investment of Rs 15 lakh.

Coming from humble backgrounds, the duo built the enterprise through years of groundwork, including working as scrap collectors themselves.

“We used to go village to village collecting plastic scrap. Even today, we don’t hesitate to do labour when needed,” Imtiyaz said.

“Our aim is to reduce plastic scrap and make it useful,” he added.

The recycling unit also procures scrap through a network of collectors and small dealers.

The material is brought to the unit, where it is sorted by colour and type before processing.

“We keep scrap in separate sheds based on colour. Even a small mismatch can damage the final product,” Imtiyaz said.

After segregation, the plastic scrap is ground into granules and packed for transport outside Kashmir, where it is used in manufacturing items such as buckets, pipes and other products.

The recycling unit also compresses bottles and containers to reduce their volume.

“Compressed scrap is sent for further processing. Some of it is converted into fibre used in clothing,” Imtiyaz said.

The recycling unit employs around 10 people, each earning close to Rs 10,000 a month.

“This work helps keep our surroundings clean and gives us income,” Javaid said.

Officials estimate that Jammu and Kashmir generates over 51,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with nearly 31,000 tonnes from the Kashmir Valley.

The recycling unit processes over 100 tonnes of plastic scrap each month and earns a profit of more than Rs 80 thousand, according to the entrepreneurs.

“This job helps me support my family,” said Adil Ahmad, a worker at the unit.

“Youth should look at entrepreneurship, especially in waste management,” Javaid said. “It also contributes to sustainability.”