Saahas in partnership with Environmental Synergies in Development (ENSYDE), is implementing an initiative to encourage responsible e-waste management. The initiative focuses on non-bulk e-waste collection through sensitisation and multiple collection/disposal options for households and institutions. ENSYDE manages outreach and sensitization, while Saahas implements collection and logistics - bringing combined strengths to offer a programmatic solution that is efficient and practical.
From the start of the program in November 2016 we have reached out to hundreds of institutions and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in Bangalore to bring them onboard the bE-Responsible Initiative. We have tied-up with recyclers authorised by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to ensure that the e-waste collected is managed in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
As part of this initiative, we have conducted numerous direct awareness campaigns and outreach activities. These are conducted to educate stakeholders on the need for:
- Formal and responsible methods of collection and recycling of e-waste; and
- The environmental, safety and health implications of the current informal system.
Campaigns are conducted in various schools, colleges, churches, malls, hospitals and RWAs, and also as part of different public events. Varied and interesting formats such as street plays, competitions, storytelling, presentations, games, etc., are used for the campaigns. These awareness programs through radio, TV, print and direct campaigns, social media, etc., have resulted in increased collection of e-waste which is being sent to the formal sector for recycling, thereby reducing the toxins ending up in landfills.
E-waste can tangle up your life
E-waste is emerging as the fastest growing waste stream across the world due to digitization, consumerism and obsolescence. e-waste contains hazardous materials; therefore it needs be collected and processed in safe and scientific conditions. However, in the absence of strict enforcement of rules, lack of awareness and dedicated collection infrastructure, most of the e-waste ends up in the informal or unorganized sector. Informal sector does not have the means or the capacity to handle the hazardous constituents of e-waste, hence they get disposed of without any treatment resulting in severe environmental damage. The material recovery is also poor and inefficient when handled by informal sector leading to precious resources getting wasted.
The main sources of e-waste generation can be categorized as bulk consumers and non-bulk consumers. 'Bulk consumer' means bulk users of electrical and electronic equipment such as Central Government or State Government Departments, public sector undertakings, banks, educational institutions, multinational organisations, international agencies, partnership and public or private companies that are registered under the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948) and the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) and health care facilities which have turnover of more than one crore or have more than twenty employees;
As the e-waste generated by the bulk generators is large in volume, the authorized recyclers directly collect the e-waste from them. However, the non-bulk generators of e-waste, like households and small establishments are not effectively serviced by recyclers as the locations are spread out and volumes do not justify the collection cost.
Saahas and ENSYDE, both non-profit organizations, started the initiative titled bE-Responsible in November 2016 in 10 wards of Bangalore south with the objective to fill this gap in e-waste disposal options for non-bulk consumers.
How we work
Through an exciting collaboration with India Post and Bangalore One Centers, we have placed public e-waste drop box at their various centers. Drop boxes have also been installed at Rotary Club Lavelle Road, MK Retail Stores in HSR Layout, Sarjapur Road and Indiranagar to encourage local residents to dispose their e-waste.
Additionally, our mobile van will collect e-waste on schedule intimated to you in advance, which will be taken to a KSPCB-authorized recycler.
