The ward officials are also holding awareness drives about e-waste collection in government and private schools and colleges In a bid to curb the increase in the quantity of e-waste, educational institutes in the G/North (from Dadar to Mahim) ward offices have now started collecting electronic waste (e-waste) in school premises. The ward officials are also holding awareness drives about e-waste collection in government and private schools and colleges. While over 20 institutes have already started collecting e-waste, officials have set a target to spread awareness in over 100 institutes in the ward area. According to BMC officials, waste segregation will not only include wet and dry waste but e-waste as well. Speaking about the initiative, an official from Solid Waste Management (SWM), said, "One bin each, to various institutions, has been distributed to collect e-waste. We are not only collect the waste, but also ensure that students are aware about the harmful effects of electronic waste. Once a week, a BMC vehicle will visit the institutes to pick up the waste. The students have already started collecting batteries in the bin provided." According to officials, the people who generate waste should also take up responsibilities to manage this waste. The institutions will play an important role in recycling waste with the BMC providing the necessary resources for e-waste management. With the aim to raise awareness among residents too, the G/North officials plan to expand the initiative by holding collection drives once a month. "Besides schools and colleges, residents are also instrumental in curbing the generation of e-waste. While it is not generated daily, residential societies can have a mass collection drive once a month," SWM officials said. One Matunga, a community initiative, which was held on Sunday, had a stall put up by the BMC providing insight into the waste management issue. Speaking about how BMC officials utilised the platform, Achal Sarawal, one of the organisers of One Matunga, said, "Last year, the BMC put up the stall regarding waste segregation but this year, they also emphasised the importance and need for e-waste collection. Citizens are not quite familiar with the concept of e-waste disposal and its harmful effects. This collection drive will help in the proper disposal of e-waste." Assistant Commissioner of G/North ward, Ramakant Biradar was not available to comment about the initiative.

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