In a step towards encouraging responsible waste management and active citizen participation, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has launched a new initiative of ‘doorstep collection of recyclable items’. This initiative enables residents to discard their recyclable dry waste from their homes while earning a small return in exchange. Under this initiative, residents are urged not to discard recyclable items such as plastics, papers, cardboards, books, glass bottles, and metals to daily household garbage.

 

Instead, they can now book a separate pickup service. Volunteers from various self-help groups (SHGs), in collaboration with NMC, will visit homes to collect the waste, weigh it, and provide monetary compensation based on the quantity handed over. In an age where groceries, medicines, and even healthcare services are reaching doorsteps, this waste management initiative also seeks to simplify citizen involvement. By making waste collection accessible at home, the NMC hopes to not only curb the problem of unsegregated waste, but also build a culture of household-level environmental responsibility. Gajendra Mahalle, Chief Sanitation Officer of the Solid Waste Management Department, NMC, told ‘The Hitavada’ that each of the city’s zones has been equipped with dedicated 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) centres. “NMC has collaborated with self-help groups and built centres in each zone. These groups will collect and segregate the dry waste,” he added.

 

The list of items eligible for door-to-door collection is extensive and includes old papers, cardboard, worn-out clothes, books, tyres, bags, various plastic objects, light bulbs, CDs, pipes, wires, and non-functional electronic items. Mahalle added, “Often, people hold on to old newspapers, clothes, plastic bottles, and other reusable items for days. Instead of throwing them out or piling up at home, give them for recycling. The same goes for unused electronics lying at home, it is better to call the e-waste helpline and have them collected.” Mahalle urged citizens to segregate waste at source to make the process smoother and more effective.

 

“We appeal to people, whatever type of waste they are discarding, please sort it before handing it over. It helps the process and benefits the city.” Besides this, NMC has also set up two helpline numbers, 1800-2677-966 for Zones 1 to 5, and 1800-266-2101 for Zones 6 to 10. Citizens can call on these numbers between 6 am to 9 pm if the garbage van does not arrive or if there is unattended waste. With convenience and environmental responsibility rolled into one, residents can now put more efforts into keeping their homes and city clean and sustainable.