Pune: Women-led Zero Waste Project in Dapodi converts household waste into compost
Pimpri, 3rd June 2025: A new zero waste initiative in Dapodi is setting an example for sustainable waste management by turning household waste into compost using semi-automated machinery. Operated by a local women’s self-help group, the project collects and processes waste from over 400 households daily and is being seen as a model for community-led, environmentally friendly urban sanitation.
Supported by Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) in partnership with CYDA and Aker Solutions, the project has been launched in Anandvan and Katevasti areas. Waste collected from 428 homes is carefully segregated into wet and dry components, and then processed using equipment such as dust separators, agglomerators, hydraulic presses, and semi-automatic composting machines.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, who inaugurated the project on June 3, praised the initiative for its dual impact — promoting environmental sustainability while empowering women.
“This zero waste project in Dapodi is a significant step towards sustainable and cleaner urban living. The women involved are being provided with all necessary facilities to ensure their health and safety,” he said after reviewing the operations and interacting with the women workers.
The PCMC plans to replicate such initiatives across the city in the coming months. Deputy Commissioner Sachin Pawar noted that the project has been implemented with CSR support and emphasized its role in the economic empowerment of women through dignified, community-centered employment.
Also present at the inauguration were Health Executive Officer Ganesh Deshpande, Assistant Health Officer Ankush Zite, CYDA Founder Mathew Matham, Executive Director Pravin Jadhav, and Aker Solutions Vice President Dilip Gada.
