Residents of Rajkot can now turn their electronic clutter into cash. The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has rolled out a pioneering doorstep collection service for electronic waste, offering citizens a convenient and profitable way to dispose of their old gadgets while protecting the environment.
A Win-Win Model for City and Citizens
This initiative, launched in partnership with an authorised e-waste collection agency, is designed to tackle the growing problem of improper e-waste disposal. RMC environment engineer Prajesh Solanki described the scheme as a win-win model. The agency will pay RMC an annual fee of Rs 1 lakh, compensate citizens for their discarded items, and generate revenue from recycled materials, creating a sustainable cycle.
Improper disposal of items like old phones, chargers, and laptops leads to severe pollution of land, water, and air, posing significant health risks. The new service ensures that all collected e-waste is processed using scientific and environmentally safe methods, allowing valuable materials to be recovered and reused.
What Items Can You Sell and For How Much?
The service offers compensation for a wide range of electronic items. Citizens can earn money by handing over unused devices directly from their homes or offices. The payment structure is as follows:
- Air conditioners: Up to Rs 2,000
- Washing machines and refrigerators: Competitive rates based on model and condition
- Laptops, desktops, and televisions: Starting from Rs 200
- Mobile phones: From Rs 200
- Mixed e-waste: Rs 15 per kilogram
How to Avail the Service
The service was officially launched in Ward 13 on Friday, collecting an impressive 13 kg of e-waste on its very first day. To book a pickup, Rajkot citizens simply need to call the RMC's toll-free number. After scheduling, a dedicated van will arrive at their doorstep to collect the electronic waste, making the entire process hassle-free.
This move by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation sets a commendable example for urban waste management in India. It not only incentivizes responsible behavior but also actively contributes to a cleaner, greener city by channeling dangerous e-waste away from landfills and into proper recycling streams.
