RBI Banknote Recycling: RBI is converting torn, old and damaged currency notes into Particle Board every year to make the disposal more eco-friendly.

RBI Banknote Recycling: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a unique initiative to make the disposal of old and damaged currency notes more environmentally friendly. Now instead of destroying these torn notes, they will be used to make Particle Board i.e. wood-like boards.

How was it disposed of earlier

According to the annual report released by RBI on Thursday, May 29, about 15,000 tonnes of banknote briquettes (compressed paper blocks) are made every year in the country. Till now they were disposed of through landfill or incineration, which is harmful to the environment.

This work will be done with old notes

To find a solution to this problem, RBI conducted a study by the Institute of Woodal Science and Technology under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The study found that Particle Boards made from briquettes of old notes technically meet the standards.

Now RBI has started the process of empanelment of companies making Particle Boards, so that they can use these briquettes in partial place of wood particles. This will not only protect the environment, but will also open the way for reuse of old notes.

Eco-friendly Jugaad of Old Notes

RBI's Currency Management Department will now actively work on more options in this direction, so that the disposal of notes can be made more sustainable and eco-friendly.

It is worth noting that the security thread, ink, fibers and other chemicals present in the notes can also affect the environment, so it is important to choose the method of their disposal carefully.