From Waste to Worth: SAS Foundation’s 12th E-Waste Drive Marks Green Milestone in Faridabad
On 29th September 2024, the Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation), in strategic partnership with Attero, successfully conducted its 12th e-waste collection drive at Adel Divine Court, Sector 76, Faridabad. The event marked the third such initiative in Faridabad and served as a testament to the growing environmental consciousness among communities and the unwavering commitment of SAS Foundation toward a cleaner, greener India.
The Drive in Numbers
The results of this collection drive were truly commendable. The team managed to collect:
- 15 smartphones 📱
- 5 laptops 💻
- 5 feature phones 📞
- 1 desktop computer 🖥️
- 1 printer 🖨️
- 1 refrigerator 🧊
- 37+ kgs of miscellaneous electronic and electrical waste ⚡
In total, the collected waste brought SAS Foundation’s cumulative e-waste tally for the year to an impressive 1.39 tonnes, inching closer to its annual goal of responsibly recycling 2 tonnes of e-waste while preventing over 4 tonnes of CO₂ emissions from entering the atmosphere.
Community Collaboration: The Heart of Impact
This milestone would not have been possible without the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders. SAS Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Abhishek Dwivedi ji, RWA President of Adel Divine Court, for his proactive involvement and encouragement. Special appreciation also goes to Dr. Nitin Saini, Shravan Dabi, and Aayushi Dabi from SAS Foundation for leading the charge on-ground, as well as Pankaj and Raju from Attero for their operational support and logistics.
This drive not only led to tangible environmental impact but also sparked important conversations among residents about responsible disposal practices, digital waste hazards, and the role individuals can play in sustainable development.
Why This Matters: The Rising Threat of E-Waste
E-waste, or electronic waste, is now considered the fastest-growing solid waste stream in the world. As our reliance on technology increases, so does the challenge of managing discarded electronics — from old smartphones and laptops to kitchen appliances and accessories.
According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2020, the world generated 53.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2019 alone — and only 17.4% was collected and properly recycled. The remaining majority ended up in landfills, informal recycling units, or worse, incinerated, leading to:
- Release of toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the soil and water.
- Air pollution from open burning.
- Significant health hazards for workers in unregulated recycling operations.
- Massive loss of valuable raw materials like gold, copper, and rare earth elements.
A Local Step Toward Global Goals
Initiatives like SAS Foundation’s e-waste drives align with India’s national e-waste management rules and directly contribute to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Building Awareness, One Drive at a Time
Beyond just collection, these e-waste drives are platforms for community education and empowerment. During the event, residents were informed about:
- The importance of separating e-waste from general waste.
- The dangers of storing old devices at home, especially with leaky batteries.
- How e-waste, when recycled correctly, contributes to the circular economy.
- The value of certified recycling partnerships, such as with Attero, that ensure safe extraction and reuse of resources.
Residents of Adel Divine Court showed genuine enthusiasm. Several families even brought out devices they had stored for years, unsure of how to dispose of them safely. The presence of trained volunteers and technical support made the process smooth, efficient, and reassuring.
Voices from the Ground
Dr. Nitin Saini, Secretary of SAS Foundation, shared,
“Each collection drive is more than just a tally of devices. It’s a sign that people care, they want to contribute, and they are ready to act. Our mission is to empower that action and amplify its impact.”
Shravan Dabi, a volunteer, noted,
“We’ve seen everything from mobile phones to CRT monitors during these drives. What’s consistent is the positive energy from communities. People are surprised to learn how damaging even a single battery can be if thrown improperly.”
Mr. Abhishek Dwivedi ji, RWA President, remarked,
“I commend the SAS Foundation for bringing this important initiative to our society. Residents were enthusiastic, and we’ve already received requests for future drives. These actions inspire a culture of accountability and care for our environment.”
Our Call to Action
Are your old devices lying unused in a drawer or attic? Do you feel unsure about how to dispose of them? You’re not alone — but it’s time to act. E-waste drives like this are an invitation to rethink our digital habits, embrace sustainability, and protect future generations.
Every unused device is a resource waiting to be recycled. And every act of recycling is a step toward a cleaner planet.
👉 What you can do today:
- Segregate old electronics from household waste.
- Participate in certified e-waste collection programs.
- Educate your family and friends.
- Support NGOs like SAS Foundation leading the change.
- Advocate for better e-waste regulations and incentives.
What’s Next?
With momentum on their side, SAS Foundation is planning more e-waste drives across Delhi-NCR and beyond. The goal is not just to collect devices but to build an ecosystem of responsible digital consumption, where sustainability is at the core of every household and community.
You can be a part of this mission too.
🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming drives, environmental stories, and tips on sustainable living:
Subscribe on LinkedIn
Closing Thought
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the choices we make about our electronics matter more than ever. The e-waste collected on 29th September wasn’t just trash — it was a symbol of collective responsibility and hope for a greener tomorrow.
Let’s continue this journey. One device at a time. One community at a time. Together, we can transform waste into worth.
