Pune: Citizens Give Huge Response To “Get Paid For E-Waste” Concept

Pimpri, 7th May 2023: E-waste recycling has been set up in Bhosari in association with the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Green Scape, and ECA to dispose of the increasing electric waste (e-waste). Both these organizations are collecting e-waste in various parts of the city and citizens are earning money per kg of e-waste. Hence, the concept of getting paid for e-waste and earning money is seen to be successful in the city.

There are Hinjawadi, and Talwade IT parks in the Pimpri-Chinchwad city area. The use of mobile phones, laptops, etc by citizens has increased day by day. However, when these items are out of order, many throw them away.

E-waste is also increasing steadily with the increasing population. As e-waste is not being recycled, serious environmental problems arise. Therefore, an e-waste collection campaign is being implemented for the past few years through the municipality and some environmentally friendly social organizations in the city.

3,962 kg of e-waste has been collected from various parts of the city in the last 1.9 years.

Now, citizens are paid for providing e-waste. Accordingly, laptops, fridges, TVs, and air-conditioners are being paid at the rate of Rs 10 per kg, while other wastes are being paid at the rate of Rs eight per kg. Citizens give e-wastes and the money is paid on the spot.

Camps for e-waste collection will be set up in the areas of Hinjawadi, Talwade, Wakad, Ravet, Pimple-Saudagar, Pimplegurav, Nigdi, Pradhikaran, Sambhajinagar, Chinchwad in the city on the weekend i.e. Saturday and Sunday.

Refrigerators, washing machines, fans, microwaves, air conditioners, CD-DVD players, home theaters, computers, pen drives, headphones, printers, digital cameras, mobile phones, chargers, TVs, laptops, and video cameras are accepted as e-waste. However, Tubelight, CFL bulbs, and glass are not accepted.

To create awareness among the young generation about the growing problem of e-waste, awareness will be created in schools and colleges in the city. Also, guidance videos will be shown on how e-waste is processed.

“The use of electronic goods has increased. E-waste is growing steadily. For this, a collection campaign is being implemented on behalf of the Environment Department with the help of social organizations.” Jitendra Wagh, Additional Commissioner of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation said while explaining how the campaign is getting a good response from the citizens.

“E-waste is being collected through two vehicles in different parts of the city. Citizens are paid on the spot with e-waste. E-waste will be disposed of scientifically”, said Rupesh Kadam of Green Scape Institute.