Punjab’s Green Credit Scheme – Earn Money for Plastic Bottles
In Lahore, people are now getting money for plastic bottles. Yes, you saw this right! Punjab government has introduced a new scheme of Green Credit Program in which you can get cash simply by returning used plastic bottles. It is not just an incredible concept to assist in the disposal of plastic waste, but also presenting individuals with an income-making opportunity.
A new machine has been launched, which is known as the Reverse Vending Machine, which shall become a collection device of plastic and provides Green Credits. These credits are afterwards exchanged into actual money. The new system is clever, convenient and friendly to the environment. It is a step, a small one but a step that will bring a big change to our city and our future.
What is the “Money for Plastic Bottles” Program?
The Money for Plastic Bottles is a new initiative initiated by Punjab government as a part of Chief Minister Green Credit Scheme. This is a program where those who exchange their used plastic bottles get a cash reward. Rather than throwing plastic into the garbage or the streets, now, people have an opportunity to gather it, take it to a special machine, and be paid.
This program aims to minimize the plastic menace in such urban areas as Lahore, where nearly 500 tons of plastic waste are produced daily. The goal of the government in exchanging money in exchange of plastic is to have recycles be less challenging, entertaining, and beneficial to everyone, including students, women, and low-income earners.
It is the pioneering project in Pakistan. It is being carried out in collaboration with the World Bank and with the assistance of the private companies such as ISP Environmental Solutions and Intratech Group.
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How Do Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) Work?
In order to pay money for plastic bottles, special machines, Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) have been installed. These machines are user friendly even to small children or those who have never operated any machine. On depositing plastic bottles into them, you are awarded with the Green Credits that can be exchanged into cash.
The following is the usage of the machine:
Step | Action |
---|---|
1️⃣ | Press Button A on the machine |
2️⃣ | Insert your plastic bottle into the slot |
3️⃣ | Enter your mobile number |
4️⃣ | Press Button B to confirm |
✅ | Your Green Credits will show on the screen and also in the mobile app |
Every machine includes two collection boxes, and it is smart enough to refuse wrong materials such as glass or paper. This renders the system clean and effective. Individuals that do not wish to visit the machine over and over again can as well monitor their credits by using the official Green Credit application where they will be able to manage their balance and even initiate a pickup.
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Where Are These Machines Being Installed?
The Money for Plastic Bottles scheme is beginning in Lahore and the Punjab government is gradually spreading it in the city. The initial step is installing Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) in four leading universities in Lahore where the plastic recycling will be possible and the student will have an opportunity to earn money.
These machines will soon be installed even in:
- Markets
- Shopping malls
- Bus stations
- Commercial areas
The idea is to ensure that these machines are found in areas where a large number of people visit daily. This will assist in the increase of recycling, decrease of plastic waste, and the concept of converting plastic into cash will be a part of everyday life.
The government will also install other such machines in other cities of Punjab in case the program runs successfully in Lahore.
How Much Can You Earn from Plastic Bottles?
The Money for Plastic Bottles program is one of the greatest since you can turn recycling into reality by gaining cash. Depending on the size and number of bottles that you take back, you will be given a certain amount of money. The more bottles you distribute, the more money you will get! To get the idea about the amount you can earn, here is a simple table:
Plastic Bottle Reward Table
Bottle Size | Number of Bottles | Cash Reward |
---|---|---|
1.5-liter bottles | 20 bottles | Rs. 1,000 |
0.5-liter bottles | 40 bottles | Rs. 1,000 |
You will even make some Green Credits even when you recycle less bottles, and this will accumulate in your account. Then you may check your balance any time through the app called Green Credit and withdraw your money, when you feel ready.
This easy concept does not only contribute to the cleaning of the environment but provides people with an opportunity to receive money with ease, especially students and low-income families.
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What Happens to the Recycled Plastic?
Once you insert your bottles in the Reverse Vending Machine they are not wasted. The plastic is rather taken to a special Eco Bricks Plant in Sundar Industrial Estate in Lahore. They recycle the plastic here and use them to create useful products to the city.
The recycled plastic is turned into:
- Construction-grade eco bricks
- Sidewalk tiles
- Road patching materials
The process assists in decreasing the quantities of plastic in landfills, in drains, and rivers. Another thing it does is save our soil, air and water of pollution. Therefore, recycling plastic is not only making your money on plastic bottles, but also on a better and cleaner Punjab: one bottle at a time!
Role of Scrap Collectors and Junkyards
The Money for Plastic Bottles program is not restricted to the students or even the people of the city, there are thousands of the scrap collectors and junk yard workers in Lahore who are also facilitated by this program. This scheme includes about 18,000 kabariyas (scrap dealers), and now they can additionally earn money in a clean and organized manner.
These collectors may enroll in the Green Credit app where they can:
- Sign up with their mobile number
- Request a pickup from their home or junk shop
- Get paid in cash or Green Credits after collection
Once registered, a company worker will visit their location, collect the plastic bottles, weigh them, and pay them directly.
This system helps:
- Support low-income workers
- Reduce plastic pollution in streets and drains
- Build a connection between junk dealers and modern recycling
The government is ensuring that the transformation can be both by the largest colleges as well as the smallest of homes because scrap collectors are part of the game as well.
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Technology Behind the Machines
The machines of the Money for Plastic Bottles program are known as Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs). These are intelligent locally constructed machines, which operate through the assistance of Chinese technology. They are developed in such a way that it is easy, quick, and clean to recycle plastic. It is estimated to construct one machine at Rs. 800,000 and hold up to 25 kg of plastic. These are machines located in the open areas whereby many people can utilize them without training.
Key Features of the RVMs:
- Two-button system (Button A & B for use)
- Connected with a mobile app
- Live display screen for credits
- Smart sensors that reject glass, paper, or wrong items
- Locally assembled with advanced tech
- Automatic update of Green Credits after each deposit
These machines are a smart way to turn plastic into cash using simple steps and modern tools. Even someone with no tech experience can use them easily.
Why This Scheme is Good for Punjab’s Future
Making money out of the plastic bottles is not the only thing associated with the Money for Plastic Bottles program, it is a comprehensive strategy of cleaning up, greening and making Punjab more environmentally friendly. Lahore generates about 500 tons of plastic waste daily, which is not only detrimental to our atmosphere, water, and ground. People have a motivation to recycle and collect garbage rather than to dispose of it with the help of this new scheme.
Benefits of the Green Credit Scheme:
- Cleaner streets and drains
- Less pollution in air and water
- Extra income for poor families and scrap workers
- Involvement of youth and students in environmental action
- Useful recycled products like bricks and road tiles
- Community awareness about saving nature
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that Punjab is moving step-by-step toward becoming plastic-free. This program is a big part of that mission, and it shows how even small actions — like returning a bottle — can lead to a big change for the whole province.
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Conclusion
The Money for Plastic Bottles program is a smart and simple idea that brings cash rewards, cleaner streets, and new hope for Punjab’s environment. By turning old plastic into Green Credits, this scheme helps both people and nature at the same time. Whether you are a student, a shopkeeper, or a scrap collector, you can be part of this green movement. Just collect your plastic bottles, put them in the machine, and earn money while saving the planet.
This is not just a project — it’s a revolution in how we think about plastic. Instead of seeing it as garbage, we now see it as a resource. With the help of modern technology, a mobile app, and strong government support, Punjab is leading the way toward a cleaner, greener, and more responsible future. So next time you finish a drink — don’t throw the bottle. Turn it into cash, turn it into change.