National: Funded by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and led by Gramin Vikas Trust (GVT), an E-Waste Management Project was launched as a joint initiative – focusing on sustainable e-waste management practices, community education, and the empowerment of informal waste workers. The project has made significant strides in raising awareness and mobilising over 4,000 community members and 1000 school children directly and indirectly on the importance of responsible e-waste disposal. Through a series of extensive awareness campaigns, workshops, and the innovative use of a mobile app, the project has empowered individuals to take action, while connecting hundreds of users to sustainable e-waste solutions.
Awareness and Outreach in Communities
Recognising the growing issue of e-waste and the limited understanding of its environmental impact, the SMBC project focused on building community-level awareness. Over the course of several months, the project engaged with around 4,000 individuals across various communities, hosting workshops and information sessions. These campaigns focused on educating people about the dangers of improper e-waste disposal, such as environmental pollution and health risks, while emphasising the benefits of recycling and safe disposal practices.
Participants, including local residents, women’s self-help groups, and community leaders, were introduced to simple and actionable ways they could contribute to responsible e-waste management. They were encouraged to not only recycle their own electronics but also spread the message within their networks, further amplifying the project’s reach.
Engaging Schools and Students
The project extended its awareness campaigns to schools, engaging approximately 1,000 students through interactive sessions, demonstrations, and competitions. These initiatives aimed to inculcate a sense of environmental responsibility in the younger generation. The school outreach focused on showing students the lifecycle of electronic products, teaching them about the importance of recycling, and encouraging them to adopt eco-friendly habits. By incorporating hands-on activities such as e-waste collection drives, the project not only raised awareness but also made learning engaging and practical for the students.
These school-level initiatives proved highly effective, as students became ambassadors for e-waste awareness, discussing the issue with their families and taking the message into their homes. This ripple effect created a strong foundation for community-wide behavioural change, driven by the enthusiasm and involvement of the younger generation.
Impact on the Community
Through its multifaceted approach of in-person outreach, the SMBC E-Waste Management Project successfully mobilised a large and diverse group of community members. The project has not only raised awareness about the importance of proper e-waste disposal but has also empowered people to take practical steps towards a sustainable future.
Hundreds of people who were previously unaware of how to responsibly handle e-waste are now connected to certified recyclers through the mobile app. Community members have reported a heightened sense of responsibility towards their electronic waste, and many have taken the initiative to educate others in their neighbourhoods.
For schoolchildren, the project has left a lasting impact, instilling eco-friendly practices that they will carry forward into adulthood. The combination of awareness, education, and accessible technology has laid the groundwork for long-term behavioural change and environmental stewardship in these communities.
Conclusion
The SMBC E-Waste Management Project’s focus on awareness, mobilisation, and digital innovation has proven to be an effective model for addressing the e-waste challenge at the grassroots level. By reaching more than 4,000 community members, the project has not only created awareness but also provided practical, sustainable solutions for managing e-waste. The integration of technology with community engagement offers a replicable and scalable solution for future e-waste management initiatives.