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Digitization or Digital Transformation (DT) is very important to get work done; it helps analyse information, make conscious decisions, and most importantly share information with concerned stakeholders with ease. DT of waste management sector in India will pave the way for new frontiers and opportunities which will help address the growing challenges.
Technology plays a very important role in many industries and the waste ecosystem is no exception. Harnessing the potential of online based data analysis, data management, service providers, network of stakeholders and many others essentially help achieve a sustainable and robust solution.
One might wonder, how can digitisation help in effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in India?
1. Ease of waste management for Brands across state lines
With regards to EPR implementation in India, the onus of managing the waste generated after the end-of-life of its product lies on the brand. In a country as vast as India and with varied stakeholders from each strata, there is an urgent need for streamlining. This requires managing, monitoring many stakeholders and the volume of waste being generated, which can be effectively addressed using Digitization – vis-a-vis Recykal’s EPR Loop Solution
2. Creates a Value chain
Plastic waste or E-waste – the value of this waste is vastly underestimated in many parts of India. It is important to add value to this waste and effectively bridge the gap between the recyclers and the waste generators.
India generated more than 7 lakh tonne of e-waste in 2017, 7.7 Lakh in 2018 and more than a million tonnes in 2019! The figure is expected to further rise since the pandemic set in in 2020
Digitization of waste management will help reduce the demand and supply gap which effectively translates into creating a valuable ‘waste’. This value chain creation will enable manufacturers and waste generators alike to optimally use resources.
3. Effective Monitoring of EPR implementation by Government bodies – CPCB, SPCB’s, ULBs and PCCs*
DT or Digital Disruption is a need of the hour considering the crucial role played by government bodies in India. With the growing environmental issues and lacking waste management ecosystem – the rolling out of stringent legislations requires a robust monitoring system. Digitizing government authorities will help in:
- Data Tracking
- Channelizing waste
- Monitoring the extent of policy implementation
- Rolling out future reforms and ensuring their implementation across the pyramid.
This solution is crucial for local municipal authorities and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), who have easy traceability of the crucial stakeholders in the system. The ULBs in particular, have significant limitations, which we at Recykal aim to bridge using our digital platforms. Our partnership with over 50 ULBs around the country is an indication of leaders who are embracing technology to bring about the change needed in their regions.
4. Ensures Transparency and Traceability
Around the world, just 10-15% of the waste generated is being recycled. Wonder why? It is the lack of accessible solutions for waste generators. The use of digital platforms by waste generators and recyclers will help understand where, when, and what type of waste is being generated which can be linked/sent to its relevant recycler.
Transparency and traceability of waste helps ALL the stakeholders in the system who have the liability of conscious waste disposal and recycling. Digital solutions provided by Recykal ensure and take pride in their ability to provide the required transparency for you.
5. Makes the informal sector inclusive
Majority of the waste is recycled by the informal sector, with more than 95% of waste being recycled by them using unsafe procedures.
With growing issues of waste management and rising waste, there has never been a more important time to empower them. Digitization will help formalise this sector and assist them in receiving their due recognition through inclusivity, remuneration, and most importantly recognition. Recykal’s digital platform has helped hundreds of waste collectors, kabadiwalas and others in selling their waste for a fair price and receiving their payments immediately.
There are an estimated 1.5-4 million waste collectors in India, who process more than 95% of the waste generated
6. Builds scope for innovations in waste management methods
With the advent of types of packaging and the resulting waste generated, there is a growing need for finding innovative ways of waste management. Digitally connecting stakeholders will open opportunities for industry collaborations and participation. Many examples of industry collaboration has resulted in implementing robust waste segregation – collection – disposal practices.
Did you know that Multi-Layered Plastic (MLP) which is often not accepted by many recyclers, is widely accepted at Recykal Points? Since our platform has connected us with recyclers who specialise or have found recycling solutions, understand the demand for this valuable piece of plastic.
7. Provides platform for MoEF to include other items under EPR
Plastic and E-waste is not the only type of waste being generated in India, that requires immediate attention. Tyre waste, batteries, cardboards, etc. must be addressed by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). Inclusion of these under the EPR policy is expected to happen sooner or later. However, wouldn’t that be challenging?
Digitally managing plastic and e-waste will pave for handling other types of waste and encouraging industry leaders, government authorities and others to innovate and ‘disrupt’ waste management in India.
In the current time of a pandemic, where in digital platforms played a key role in progressing businesses and programs, it highlighted the need for a digital transformation of waste management in our country. We understand the challenges brands, manufacturers, consumers, local and central bodies etc. face, hence our digital platforms are constantly evolving to provide effective solutions.
This blog originally appeared on Recykal.com on May 10, 2021. It has been reproduced here with permission from Mr Chetan Baregar, Founding Member – Recykal.
