Pune: To channelise and reduce electronic waste, Solid Waste Collection and Handling (SWaCH) along with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started a ‘V Collect-U Donate - Together We recycle’ drive. The organisation has inaugurated its pop-up mobile kiosk at Brehmen Chowk, Aundh, on Saturday.
They also have a collection van that will reach all predetermined locations based on people’s demands, stated the organisation.
E-waste is the fastest growing waste challenge globally today. India is the fifth largest e-waste producing country with a contribution of approximately three million tonnes of e-waste every year and Maharashtra ranks first in India in the generation of electronic waste, stated the officials of SWaCH.
The waste is extremely hazardous to the environment and can play havoc if not disposed of through proper channels as per the rules laid down by the pollution control board.
After due consultation with citizens, PMC and SWaCH have jointly started e-waste and other items donation drive once a month starting with all areas of Aundh ward. Kiosks will pop up at various predetermined locations for this.
“There will be moving collection vans or pop-up kiosks, which will be stationed at prominent locations making it convenient for citizens to drop off not just e-waste but also old clothes, toys book, household items that they wish to discard,” said Mangal Gaikwad, a waste picker and board member of SWaCH.
“It will allow citizens all over to declutter instantly and easily dispose off what they do not want. We recycle, reuse and re-purpose whatever we get. In fact, we want to establish a thrift shop, as I have heard exists in western countries. We invite you to visit our centre in Aundh and see what we are doing,” said Gaikwad, who has been working in the Aundh area.
Smita Rajabali, in charge of a new recycling project, stated that it was inspired by the second-hand malls and consignment stores.
