Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put a small north Bihar district on the national map, holding up the Sitamarhi plastic recycling initiative as proof that single-use plastic waste can be turned into usable public infrastructure.
Speaking in the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, 26 July 2026, he called it a magnificent example of waste to wealth, noting that about 40 kg of single-use plastic goes into making one bench.
The benches are being installed in government schools, parks and public spaces.
From a disposal headache to district furniture
India generates close to 39 lakh tonnes of plastic waste a year, nearly 10,700 tonnes a day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's annual report for 2022-23.
