Bengaluru Joins the Green Movement: SAS Foundation’s First-Ever E-Waste Collection Drive a Grand Success!
On 23rd November 2024, a powerful wave of sustainability swept across Whitefield, Bengaluru, as Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation), in collaboration with committed community members and corporate partners, organized its first-ever e-waste collection drive in the city at MJR Gulmohar Avenue.
This was more than just a collection effort—it was a movement fueled by awareness, action, and accountability. From tech professionals to residents, from volunteers to waste management experts, everyone came together for one shared goal: to create a cleaner, greener planet by disposing of electronic waste responsibly.
🌱 Why This Drive Matters
India is the third-largest generator of e-waste globally, producing more than 3.2 million metric tonnes annually. Unfortunately, only a fraction of this is disposed of through formal, safe channels. Improper disposal—burning, landfill dumping, or informal recycling—releases toxic chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium into our air, water, and soil.
This drive, organized by SAS Foundation, is part of a larger mission to tackle this silent crisis head-on—through education, collection, collaboration, and commitment.
🤝 Powered by Passionate Leaders and Partners
This Bengaluru milestone would not have been possible without the extraordinary leadership and teamwork on the ground. A heartfelt thanks to:
- Debjani Deb (Tata Consultancy Services) – for her inspiring leadership and community mobilization.
- Vinita Suresh Deopurkar (JV EdTech Medovation) – for driving educational awareness on sustainability.
- Pawan Rastogi (Resident) – for being the force behind local outreach and coordination.
- Shankar and Kempu from Attero – for educating residents on how the collected e-waste will be processed in a safe and certified manner.
- Mr. Pankaj Prasad (AoA President) – for his enthusiastic support and for opening the doors of MJR Gulmohar Avenue for this community-first initiative.
And of course, kudos to every resident and volunteer who participated with heart, dedication, and responsibility.
📦 The Impact: Numbers That Speak Volumes
The Bengaluru drive recorded an impressive collection of:
- 📱 23 Smartphones
- 💻 10 Laptops
- 🖨️ 7 Printers
- 🖥️ 3 Desktops
- 🌀 3 Fans
- 📺 2 LED/LCD TVs
- 🧺 1 Washing Machine
- ♻️ ~115 Kgs of miscellaneous e-waste (cables, chargers, adapters, batteries, etc.)
Together, these items accounted for hundreds of kilograms of hazardous waste diverted from landfills and informal dismantling sites.
🚀 A Major Milestone Achieved
With this drive, SAS Foundation proudly surpassed its revised annual target of collecting 2 tonnes of e-waste, reaching an incredible ~2034 kilograms so far in 2024!
This achievement isn’t just about numbers—it reflects people power, sustainable intent, and grassroots impact.
🌍 From One City to Many: Our Expanding Footprint
What began as a local initiative is now a multi-city green revolution. SAS Foundation’s e-waste drives are currently active in:
- Delhi
- Gurgaon
- Faridabad
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
And very soon, we’re expanding to Chennai, with plans to scale even further. With every city added, our network of climate-conscious citizens and green leaders grows stronger.
🔁 Why E-Waste Recycling is the Future
Every piece of discarded electronic equipment contains recoverable materials—gold, copper, aluminum, plastic—that can be re-used in new products. Proper recycling not only reduces the demand for virgin materials but also saves energy, curbs pollution, and creates green jobs.
Most importantly, it protects informal workers from dangerous, unsafe recycling practices.
By supporting formal collection drives like this one, citizens become part of a circular economy, where waste is transformed into value.
💬 Voices from the Ground
“I never imagined how much old electronics were lying around in my home. This drive helped me clear space and contribute to a cause at the same time.” — MJR Resident
“The Attero team explained the recycling process so well—knowing that our waste will be handled responsibly gives me peace of mind.” — Volunteer Participant
“It’s not just about waste—it’s about awareness, action, and building better habits. This drive made that very real for us.” — Debjani Deb, Volunteer Leader
📢 What’s Next?
With growing support and rising momentum, SAS Foundation is planning:
- 🌿 Monthly e-waste drives across housing societies and educational institutions
- 👥 Youth workshops on e-waste awareness, safe disposal, and green technology
- 🛠️ Skill development programs for training informal waste pickers into certified recyclers
- 📊 Policy advocacy for stricter enforcement of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) norms
💚 Join the Movement!
Whether you’re a student, professional, homemaker, or business leader—you can make a difference.
Here’s how:
✅ Recycle your old electronics: Find a nearby SAS Foundation drive or drop-off location.
✅ Host a collection drive: Partner with us to organize an e-waste campaign in your community.
✅ Spread awareness: Share facts, bust myths, and inspire eco-conscious conversations.
✅ Volunteer with SAS Foundation to help us reach more people, more cities, and more impact.
✅ Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates and green stories.
🌟 Closing Note
The Bengaluru e-waste drive was not just a collection event—it was a celebration of community, climate consciousness, and change. It proved that sustainability is not an idea limited to boardrooms or classrooms—it begins at home, with each of us.
As SAS Foundation continues its mission to create eco-aware, empowered communities, we invite you to walk with us. Every device you recycle, every drive you support, every conversation you spark—is a step toward a cleaner, healthier tomorrow.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s build a future we can all be proud of. 🌱
