Although waste management is becoming a growing problem in Indian cities, it also presents a business opportunity for entrepreneurs who are dedicated towards conservation, says Wilma Rodrigues, the founder and CEO of Saahas Zero Waste
With the help of over 200 employees, Saahas Zero Waste (SZW), a for-profit social enterprise, manages over 25 tons of waste per day across Bengaluru and Chennai, through recycling and composting.
"Waste is one of the fastest-growing problems of the country. India generates over two lakh tons of municipal solid waste per day. We also generate electronic waste, construction and demolition waste, hazardous waste, textile waste, etc. Besides the shortage of landfills to dump the waste, resources that could be recovered if waste is managed well, are being lost," explains Wilma Rodrigues, the founder and CEO of SZW and a former journalist.
Saahas Zero Waste, which was registered as a for-profit social enterprise in 2013, believes in a circular economy, where all waste is converted into resources. The aim is to help the clients towards achieving zero waste, with segregation at source. "Responsible, holistic and decentralised waste management, can protect the earth and its resources. Waste-to-energy technology is gaining popularity in India, while European countries that have used this technology for decades, are moving away from it. India needs to understand that waste-to-energy technology is not a magical solution to our waste problem," says Rodrigues.
Waste management tips from Wilma Rodrigues
1. Reduce consumption of disposable and non-recyclable items.
2. While disposing of waste, segregate wet waste, dry waste and domestic hazardous waste.
3. Compost wet waste on-site, using simple technologies.
4. You can also partner with authorised vendors for waste management, to ensure compliance vis-à-vis the destination of the waste and processing technology.
5. Ensure that the workers who work with waste are being paid minimum wages and there is no child labour involved or open dumping or burning of waste.
Source and Credit : https://housing.com/news/need-behavioural-change-towards-waste-management-wilma-rodrigues-saahas-zero-waste/.