From Devices to a Greener Tomorrow: SAS Foundation’s 12th E-Waste Drive Sets a New Benchmark in Faridabad
On 29th September 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in Faridabad as the Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation), in collaboration with Attero, successfully organized its 12th e-waste collection drive at Adel Divine Court, Faridabad. What began as a community-led effort has evolved into a growing green movement, aiming to tackle one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time—electronic waste (e-waste).
🌱 The Numbers That Matter
During this impactful drive, the Foundation managed to collect:
- 📱 15 smartphones
- 💻 5 laptops
- ♻️ Over 37 kilograms of mixed e-waste including chargers, batteries, cables, and defunct electronic accessories
This single-day event not only strengthened our local outreach but also helped raise our total e-waste recycled this year to 1.39 tonnes—an inspiring achievement that reflects the power of collective environmental responsibility.
💡 Why E-Waste Matters More Than Ever
E-waste is the fastest-growing solid waste stream in the world. With the rapid pace of technological innovation and consumption, electronics are becoming obsolete faster than ever. While new gadgets enhance our lives, their discarded counterparts pose serious environmental and health threats.
Devices such as smartphones, laptops, televisions, and even household appliances contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. When improperly disposed of—whether in landfills or incinerated—these materials can leach into the soil, contaminate groundwater, and release harmful emissions into the air. In short, the way we dispose of our electronics has a direct impact on the planet and public health.
By recycling e-waste responsibly, we not only prevent pollution but also conserve precious raw materials like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth elements. These materials, when recovered, reduce the demand for mining and lower the overall carbon footprint of manufacturing new devices.
🤝 Community Collaboration: The Real Heroes
This green milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the enthusiasm and proactive support of the residents of Adel Divine Court. A special vote of thanks goes to Mr. Abhishek Dwivedi, the President of the RWA, whose unwavering dedication and leadership played a pivotal role in mobilizing community participation.
It’s moments like these that remind us that change starts at the grassroots. When local communities take ownership of sustainable practices, the ripple effect can reach far and wide—impacting policies, awareness, and future generations.
🌍 SAS Foundation’s Mission: Small Actions, Big Change
At SAS Foundation, we believe that sustainable change doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with something as simple as dropping off an old phone or charger. Our motto, “Small Actions Lead to Big Change,” is rooted in the belief that environmental consciousness is built over time—through awareness, participation, and consistent efforts.
Our e-waste collection drives are not just events; they’re part of a larger environmental education campaign. Each drive is designed to engage citizens, demystify the e-waste recycling process, and inspire behavioral change.
So far, our 12 collection drives have not only diverted hundreds of kilograms of hazardous waste from landfills but have also empowered citizens across age groups to become part of the solution.
📢 Creating Awareness, One Drive at a Time
Through these e-waste drives, SAS Foundation seeks to bridge the knowledge-action gap. We’ve observed that while many people are aware that e-waste is dangerous, they’re often unsure how or where to dispose of it safely.
Each drive includes:
- Interactive Awareness Booths explaining the environmental risks of improper e-waste disposal
- Demonstrations on how devices are dismantled and processed responsibly
- Volunteer-led sessions with children and youth on sustainability practices
- Digital promotions and flyers for reach beyond physical participation
The idea is to make environmental action accessible, understandable, and impactful.
🌐 Collaboration with Attero: Recycling with Accountability
One of the key differentiators of our drives is our partnership with Attero, one of India’s leading e-waste recycling companies. Attero ensures that all collected devices are processed using environmentally safe and compliant methods. This includes:
- Secure data destruction
- Hazardous waste neutralization
- Material recovery for reuse in manufacturing
With Attero’s support, we guarantee that each item collected is handled with traceability, transparency, and environmental integrity.
📈 Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
With 1.39 tonnes already diverted from polluting our landfills and water systems this year, we’re now setting our sights higher. Our annual target is 3 tonnes of e-waste collected and responsibly recycled, and we’re confident we’ll meet—and even exceed—that number with your continued support.
Future plans include:
- School and college-level awareness programs to cultivate responsible tech habits in youth
- Corporate collection drives in partnership with businesses for sustainable workplace practices
- Digital outreach campaigns to spread awareness through social media and newsletters
- Monthly “Green Warrior” recognition for individuals who consistently promote eco-friendly actions in their communities
🫵 How You Can Contribute
- Declutter Your Devices: Check your home for unused phones, chargers, headphones, remotes, etc. Set them aside for recycling.
- Educate Your Circle: Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about the importance of e-waste recycling.
- Host a Drive: If you’re part of an RWA, school, or company, reach out to SAS Foundation to organize your own e-waste collection drive.
- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Get regular updates, sustainability tips, and invites to our green initiatives.
- Spread the Word: Follow and share our mission on social media to inspire a wider audience.
🌟 Final Words
In a world dominated by fast-changing technology, it’s easy to forget what happens to yesterday’s gadgets. But thanks to dedicated communities and conscious individuals, a shift is taking place—from waste to responsibility, from convenience to care.
SAS Foundation’s e-waste drive on 29th September was not just about collecting old devices. It was about building a culture of environmental accountability, where every device recycled is a step toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
Join us in this journey. Because real change begins with you—one device at a time.
