Pune: Waste Picker’s Honesty Helps Wagholi Resident Recover Gold Ring from Garbage Container
Wagholi, 27th February 2026: A seven-year association built on trust came to the fore in Wagholi when a waste picker from the SWaCH cooperative went the extra mile to help a resident recover a lost gold ring from a garbage container.
Rekha Sakat, who has been providing door-to-door waste collection services in the area for several years, was on her regular round at Vijay Vihar Society on February 22 when she noticed household items and waste placed outside a flat. She later learnt that the occupants had moved out of the city the same day and had left their belongings outside the door. To prevent the items from being scattered, Rekha carefully bundled them in a bedsheet and placed the package inside the waste container below the building.
Later that evening, SWaCH ward coordinator Pournima Ovhal received a call from the former resident, who was anxious about a missing valuable. Acting swiftly, Pournima contacted Rekha, who said she had not noticed any such item during collection but assured that she would personally verify the next morning. As a precautionary step, Pournima immediately informed the municipal sanitation staff and the vehicle driver handling the container, requesting them not to move it until further notice.
Early the next day, at around 7 am, Rekha and Pournima reached the spot and connected with the resident over a video call. Rekha climbed into the container and began carefully checking the bundled items, opening each bag and examining the contents in detail. After thoroughly going through the papers and belongings, the resident recalled a small pouch used for keeping flowers for daily worship. When that pouch was checked, the missing gold ring was found inside.
The recovered ring was handed over to the society chairman for safe custody, and photographs were shared with the resident to confirm its recovery. Appreciating the honesty and dedication shown, the resident later rewarded Rekha with a cash token.
