In the heart of Bangalore, a startup named Saahas Zero Waste (SZW) is reshaping the landscape of waste management in India.
With a mission to foster a circular economy and create a zero-waste world, SZW is tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: the efficient management of waste.
As urbanization accelerates and populations swell, the volume of waste generated has reached alarming levels, necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions.
The Challenge of Waste Management
India generates over 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, and this number is projected to rise.
Traditional waste disposal methods, primarily landfilling, have proven inadequate and harmful to both the environment and public health.
Moreover, the informal sector, which handles a significant portion of waste, often resorts to crude and unsafe methods of recycling, leading to severe pollution and health risks for workers and surrounding communities.
Saahas Zero Waste was founded in 2013 by Wilma Rodrigues, a former journalist turned environmental advocate, who recognized the urgent need for a structured, scientific approach to waste management.
Drawing from over 20 years of experience through its mother organization, NGO Saahas, SZW has become a beacon of hope for communities grappling with waste management challenges.
A Holistic Approach to Waste Management
SZW’s approach is holistic, integrating nature, people, and technology to maximize resource recovery.
The startup operates across three main business verticals: the Zero Waste Programme, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and Circle Up, each addressing different aspects of waste management.
One of their most significant achievements is the establishment of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Bangalore in 2017, which has the capacity to process various waste streams effectively.
Through facility like these, SZW has managed over 42,122 metric tonnes of waste and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 94,817 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Pioneering E-Waste Management
In a world increasingly reliant on technology, electronic waste (e-waste) has emerged as a critical issue.
SZW stands out as one of the few authorized Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) in Bangalore, helping manufacturers and producers comply with the E-Waste Management Rules of 2016.
They ensure a transparent reverse logistics chain for e-waste, facilitating responsible disposal and recycling.
This is essential not only for environmental protection but also for safeguarding the health of workers who might otherwise be exposed to toxic substances through informal recycling practices.
Community Engagement and Social Impact
Saahas Zero Waste is not just about managing waste; it is about uplifting communities.
The startup prides itself on creating dignified job opportunities, particularly for those in the informal sector.
Their field team has benefited from safe working conditions and fair wages, significantly improving their socio-economic status.
SZW actively engages with communities, institutions, and corporates to raise awareness about waste segregation and the importance of sustainable practices.
Through training sessions and workshops, they empower individuals and organizations to reduce waste generation and adopt eco-friendly practices.
Commitment to Compliance and Transparency
SZW is committed to compliance with all relevant laws related to labor and waste management.
Their operations are certified under ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018, reflecting their dedication to quality, environmental standards, and occupational health and safety.
Using data-driven processes, SZW ensures transparency in its operations, tracking waste management metrics through technology.
This innovative approach has garnered recognition, earning the organization several awards, including the Namma Bengaluru Award for Best Social Entrepreneur in 2012 and the Swachh Best Practice Award in 2018.
The Vision for a Zero-Waste World
As SZW continues to expand its reach, the startup has set an ambitious goal to manage over 500 tonnes of waste per day by 2026.
This vision aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflects SZW’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The journey of Saahas Zero Waste exemplifies the potential of social enterprises to drive change in critical areas such as waste management.
By bridging the gap between technological innovation, community engagement, and sustainable practices, SZW is not only addressing the waste crisis in India but also inspiring a movement towards a more sustainable future.
With every tonne of waste managed, SZW is closing the loop on resource recovery and contributing to the larger goal of environmental sustainability, proving that it is possible to prioritize the planet and its people without compromising on economic viability.
