Students of Jai Hind College in Mumbai have stepped up with a sweeping campaign that resulted in the collection of over two tonnes of electronic waste in just two days. The initiative, held on July 30 and 31, was organised by the college’s DotCom Club and supported by its B.Sc. IT, B.Voc. Software Development, and M.Sc. Big Data Analytics departments.
What started as a campus initiative quickly evolved into a citywide awareness movement. In collaboration with eight schools, five colleges, and 18 residential societies, the campaign mobilised students, citizens, and small businesses to identify and responsibly discard outdated electronic devices—ranging from old smartphones and chargers to laptops and batteries. The e-waste, totalling over 2,000 kilograms, was handed over to GreenIndia Recycling Company for certified and environmentally safe disposal. According to college officials, the campaign’s core objective was twofold: not only to divert hazardous materials from landfills but also to instil behavioural change through hands-on community participation. “We wanted the students to learn by doing—and teach others in the process,” said an organising faculty member.
The event gained traction across multiple localities, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of students from institutions such as St. Xavier’s College, Wilson College, and several city schools. More importantly, it triggered meaningful conversations around the often-ignored dangers of improperly disposed e-waste, which can leach harmful chemicals into soil and water, leading to long-term environmental and health consequences. Urban environmental experts have praised the campaign for addressing a key gap in Mumbai’s waste ecosystem: decentralised collection and citizen engagement. While e-waste accounts for a growing share of urban waste, a vast majority remains either dumped in household bins or informally processed in unregulated settings—posing risks to workers and the environment alike.
The structured handover to a certified recycler was particularly notable. GreenIndia Recycling, which specialises in sustainable disposal practices, ensured the entire chain—from collection to dismantling—adhered to pollution control norms and digital traceability. This step, experts say, is essential for closing the loop in India’s circular economy vision. Perhaps the most enduring impact of the initiative lies in its ripple effect. Students who led the collection drives in their housing societies reported higher engagement from residents than anticipated, with many expressing interest in regular e-waste pickups. In a metropolis of over 20 million, such decentralised awareness models could play a vital role in long-term climate action.
By integrating education, participation, and environmental responsibility, the Jai Hind College campaign stands as a model for how academic institutions can lead the charge towards more sustainable and citizen-driven cities. As India’s cities expand digitally, the responsibility to manage their discarded tech lies not just with regulators but with the people who use it—and in this case, with the students showing them how.
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