Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 14: In a significant step towards responsible electronic waste management, Mumbai has collected over 15,000 kilograms of e-waste in just four months, thanks to a partnership between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Electrofine Recycling. The agency, which previously worked with other municipalities, initiated the service in May and is currently collecting a wide range of e-waste items including mobile phones, chargers, laptops, televisions, refrigerators, modems, and more from residential societies, schools, government offices, corporates, and small businesses.

Until recently, Mumbai lacked a dedicated system for e-waste collection. Recognizing the gap, Electrofine approached BMC to launch a structured pickup service. Establishments can now register for collection, after which the agency schedules a pickup and even offers a token payment based on the type of waste. For instance, a CPU earns Rs 250 per unit, laptops Rs 200, mobile chargers Rs 20, and lead acid batteries Rs 25 per kilogram.

The collected items are transported to two facilities outside Mumbai, where they are either scientifically processed or refurbished. According to BMC Deputy Municipal Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar, this method ensures e-waste remains segregated from wet and dry waste, preventing environmental contamination.

Environmental experts have welcomed the move. Bhagwan Keshbhat from Waatavaran highlighted the hazardous nature of e-waste and emphasized the importance of keeping it out of landfills. He also suggested expanding the initiative to include other waste categories like clothing and thermocol.

With this initiative, Mumbai takes a concrete step toward safer, more sustainable waste management practices, setting a precedent for other cities to follow.