Pune: Recycling Drive Transforms Waste into Educational Tools for Schools
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Undri, 27th September 2025: In a sustained effort to reduce landfill waste and promote recycling, Poornam Ecovision Foundation, an NGO founded in 2009, continues to make significant strides in plastic and electronic waste management. Authorized by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the foundation operates with CSR support from Cummins India Ltd. and logistics assistance from the Adar Poonawalla Group.
For the past five years, Kiran Gandhi, a local resident and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) representative, has been actively driving this initiative. He organizes a collection drive on the last Saturday of every month across Undri, Pisoli, Mahadev Wadi, Handewadi, and Wadachi Wadi. On average, these efforts collect nearly half a tempo of plastic waste, e-waste, and old clothes.
The collected material is transported to the foundation’s Sinhagad godown, where it is systematically segregated. Plastic waste is recycled, while old clothes are either distributed to underprivileged families or repurposed by women’s self-help groups (Mahila Bachat Gats), who stitch them into purses, bags, and other products—providing sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Electronic waste is handled innovatively. Usable components are recycled, and refurbished items such as televisions and computers are donated to ashram schools, orphanages, and charitable institutions. This approach prevents toxic e-waste from releasing hazardous gases in landfills while supporting educational organizations with much-needed resources.
Expressing his commitment to the cause, Gandhi said, “I feel deeply satisfied contributing to society in this way. It may be a small step, but it keeps our neighborhoods cleaner and reduces environmental hazards.”
With the combined efforts of NGOs, corporates, and community members, initiatives like this are helping build a cleaner and more sustainable Pune.
