Pune: ‘V Collect On Wheels’ Program Diverts 48 Tonnes Of Waste Away From Landfills And Towards Reuse And Recycling
Pune, November 18, 2020: SWaCH’s newly launched V collect on wheels Diwali declutter effort was a resounding success as it crisscrossed the city collecting over 48 tonnes of discards in just 13 days. From 1st to 13th November vans went on predetermined routes and stopped as fixed periods enabling citizens across the city to hand over their Diwali clean up clutter to SWaCH at their convenience.
Designed by SWaCH, it was executed in collaboration with PMC support from the Women and child welfare department headed by Madhuri Sahasrabudhe, with the aim of assisting citizens in disposing of their old and discarded items which do not fall into daily wet or dry waste. People were encouraged to hand over Items like old clothes, toys, books, footwear, bags and purses, bicycles and tricycles and utensils at a specific nearby location on planned date and time. The drive took place at different locations across the city in Kothrud, Warje, Bavdhan, Swargate, Hadapsar, Vimannagar, Vishrantwadi and also Nigdi. In some areas, residential societies and colonies took the initiative of gathering old clothes and electronics and handed over the collection in bulk to V Collect.
Corporator Madhuri Sahasrabudhe is a strong supporter of SWaCH since its inception. Now as the Chairperson, Women and child Welfare Committee of PMC she welcomed the initiative of V-Collect – Collection On Wheels all over the city. “It is wonderful to see such initiatives that help our city and our planet. The proceeds from this go towards the education of waste picker’s children is highly commendable”, Sahasrabudhe said.
“The reusable waste is segregated and displayed in a small store. The needy can purchase them at a very affordable cost. Everything is well organized and easy to pick and choose from. The variety is impressive and proves to be a major resource to women who are looking to make ends meet. These are tough times and a little saving goes a long way. It demonstrates what can be achieved with a positive attitude and hard work” she added.
The program was also successful in making a significant collection of E-Waste. Old chargers, irons, television sets, geysers and heaters, calculators, smartphones were some of the common E-Waste items that were collected. SWaCH also observed increasing awareness in citizens regarding disposal of E-Waste through the right channel.
SWaCH aims to increase the frequency of V Collect On Wheels to make it operational throughout the year. There is also a drop off centre at Bremen Chowk, Aundh Road, Pune that is open all days of the week between 10 am and 5 pm for the convenience of the citizens.
SWaCH covers 70% of Pune through its services like the Red Dot Campaign, V Collect, E Collect, MLP collection apart from the daily door to door waste collection.
