‘Recycling on Wheels Smart-ER’ project for e-waste management flagged off in Delhi

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the one of its kind ‘Recycling on Wheels Smart-ER’ in New Delhi on Monday.

The project is an outcome of a partnership between the Technology Development Board and M/s Eco Recycling Limited, a Mumbai-based public limited company. This e-waste management project has received a financial support of Rs 6.00 crore from Technology Development Board against the total project cost of Rs 12.00 crores.

Features of the project

The Technology Development Board recently announces its strategic support for M/s Eco Recycling Limited, a Mumbai-based public limited company. The core of this project is the ‘Recycling on Wheels Smart ER’ an innovative approach that seeks to curb and bridge the gaps in e-waste management. This innovative solution offers a multi-faceted approach.

The project’s workflow is methodically designed for maximum efficiency:

>Deploy the pre-processing of e-waste on Wheels Facility at the site.

>Scanning & serialization of the e-waste devices.

>Feeding the devices in the shredder for shredding.

>Shredded material drops in the bins below the shredder under secured cage.

>Environmentally benign collection of the shredded e-waste.

One of its kind

This versatile project serves Special Economic Zones (SEZs), R&D centres, and similar places, catering to diverse needs. What makes this project unique is that no similar “Recycling on Wheels” setup exists in India, it is one of its kind. It not only fills a crucial gap in e-waste management but also promises a positive impact on society.

The distinguishing feature of the shredded e-waste collection lies in its potential to enhance transportation efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs and labour requirements.

Furthermore, in the project’s second phase, the company envisions processing the shredded waste to extract precious metals, thereby making a valuable contribution to the concept of a circular economy.

In line with the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign

The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign was celebrated from 15th September to 2nd October this year.

Talking about the project at the flag-off ceremony, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “This project introduces a pioneering approach to e-waste management in India, with no comparable counterpart in the country to date. It sets an entirely new benchmark for sustainable e-waste practices, characterized by a unique design and implementation that amalgamates efficiency, accessibility, and environmental responsibility,” adding, “The ‘Recycling on Wheels Smart-ER’ project aligns perfectly with the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign’s objective of fostering a cleaner India.”

He further said that it not only bolsters transportation efficiency and cost reduction but will also efficiently extract precious metals from shredded e-waste in its later phase, making a significant contribution to the circular economy, thus aligning with the Swachh Bharat mission.

“This project recognizes SafaiMitra’s crucial role in cleanliness, preserving both the environment and their health through responsible e-waste disposal. It stands out by offering skill development, aligning with Extended Producer Responsibility, and promoting sustainability, contributing to the motto of Training, Transport, and Technology, empowering the informal sector with skills, efficient transportation, and technology for a better future,” Dr. Singh added.