The Barrier
The floating barrier is installed in Buckingham Canal and collects waste before it reaches the ocean.
First link in the value chain: Waste Pickers
Get to know the people at the first stage of the value chain. Informal waste pickers collects the waste from the barrier as well land-bound waste. See their work in action and watch the interviews with Ganesan and Durai Raj below.
“We want to live with dignity like everyone else.”
Second link in the value chain: Kabadiwalla Shops
The local Kabadiwalla shops are the critical second link of the value chain. During OPF’s visit in Chennai in January 2026 we visited Sri Nattar Devi Waste Paper Mart, the Kabadiwalla that will be handling the collected material from the barrier.
Third link in the value chain: Shredding & Pelletizing
Once sorted the waste in transported to the shredding and pelletizing facilities. Take a look at how the plastic is tranformed into recycled plastic pellets that can be used in the production of big bags.
Other initiatives in the local community
Take a look at some of the other activities and initiatives to combat ocean-bound plastic in the local community.
