OVER TWO TONNES OF E-WASTE COLLECTED AT SATELLITE COLLECTION POINT AT DHANKAWADI
30 AUG 2019,PUNE : E waste is classified as a hazardous waste because it contains many toxic ingredients including halogenated compounds PCBs and heavy metals. Without any proper direction it has been making its way to grey scrap markets. Recognizing the need for formalizing collection, segregation, dismantling, and refurbishment if possible, for reuse and recycling to avoid open burning and hazardous landfilling, parliamentarian Mrs Supriya Sule took the lead for establishing a centre within Pune. Mr Vishal Tambe, Corporator, PMC, who has always been at the forefront of innovative initiatives, started one in his constituency of Dhankawadi in September 2017. Today, well before its two year mark, it has collected over 2000Kgs of e-waste already.
Located at the Loknete Sharadchandraji Pawar Multipurpose Complex at Dhankawadi, this is a one – of – a- kind centre, open 24×7 for the convenience of the citizens. Gaining popularity over the last year and an increase in awareness and collection, it is a sought after service and has seen a collection of over 2000 kgs in less than two years and is estimated to reach over 2500 Kgs by the completion of the second year. Manned by alert personnel, there are awareness messages that are sent out at regular intervals and certificates are also given to citizens and institutions who participate in the effort to formalize the collection by ensuring it is given to this centre. “With advancements in technology, new needs also arise and we try and anticipate what the citizens might need. Setting up a system before it grows to be a problem, nips such issues in the bud. As awareness grows so will the participation. I am happy about that we are on track to collect more each year. We are also raising awareness about an issue that will plague the future generations, if we do not take care of it now itself. We are also looking at upgrading to more sophisticated collection bins that can have separate sections for different kinds of E-waste.”, says Mr. Tambe who has shone the light on an emergent issue.
Collaboration with the MPCB authorized SWaCH, waste picker’s cooperative has ensured that the E waste does not go to the grey market. In the interest of sustainability, a system has been set up where in the monthly collection is recorded, an inventory is created and it is disposed off in the right way. Smita Rajabali, Project head at SWaCH says “In collaboration with the PMC and elected representative, the centre at Loknete Sharadchandraji Pawar Multipurpose Complex at Dhankawadi is accessible 24×7 with no fear of loss or theft making it very convenient for citizens to access and for us to operate. The transparency in the system is reassuring to them. If such centers are set up all across the city, it would have a huge impact towards ensuring safe recycling of electronic waste. One key element in ensuring citizens regularly drop off their E-waste is the consistent awareness campaign carried out in the locality.”
A citizen who has frequented the centre observes that “It’s a very convenient space for us to drop off our e-waste. My children are being educated in sustainable consumption and responsible management of all waste every-time we visit the center. Many talk about the need for such initiatives but actions speak louder than words and to take the lead is commendable”.
