Hyderabad Targets Zero E Waste Through Civic Drive
Hyderabad: Three major civic bodies in Hyderabad have intensified electronic waste collection efforts under the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) programme, aiming to achieve zero e-waste status across the region by the end of the year. The initiative combines dedicated collection drives, doorstep pickup services and certified recycling partnerships to strengthen sustainable urban waste management.
The campaign is being implemented across the jurisdictions of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) and Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC). Together, the agencies have already collected nearly 100 metric tonnes of discarded electronic waste, including computers, mobile phones, batteries, household appliances and other obsolete electronic equipment. The Hyderabad e-waste management initiative also introduces multiple collection channels to improve public participation. Dedicated collection counters have been established across civic offices, while resident welfare associations are being encouraged to organise neighbourhood-level collection drives. Officials believe community participation will be critical to achieving the programme’s year-end target. To make disposal more accessible, GHMC has expanded doorstep collection services through a QR code-based request system that allows residents to schedule the pickup of bulky electronic items such as refrigerators, washing machines and other appliances without downloading a mobile application.
In addition, electronic waste drop boxes have been installed at several consumer electronics retail outlets across the city. These collection points are intended to provide convenient disposal options for smaller electronic devices while reducing the likelihood of improper dumping. Collected materials are being transferred to authorised recycling companies for scientific processing in accordance with national environmental regulations. Proper recycling helps recover valuable materials while preventing hazardous substances from entering landfills, groundwater and surrounding ecosystems. The Hyderabad e-waste management programme extends beyond municipal bodies. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has also initiated a large-scale clearance of obsolete IT equipment from its offices. Officials have identified decades-old computers, printers, monitors, UPS systems and other electronic assets for environmentally compliant recycling through an authorised agency.
Environmental planners say rapidly growing cities must strengthen formal e-waste collection systems as digital consumption continues to increase. Electronic waste is one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams and requires specialised treatment to minimise environmental and public health risks. Urban sustainability experts also emphasise that convenient collection infrastructure, public awareness and certified recycling facilities are essential for building a circular economy where valuable electronic materials are recovered and reused instead of discarded. As Hyderabad continues its urban expansion under the CURE framework, the city’s focus on organised electronic waste collection signals a broader effort to integrate environmental sustainability into municipal governance. The long-term success of the initiative will depend on sustained citizen participation, efficient recycling systems and continued investment in responsible waste management infrastructure.
