NDMC and Chintan Unveil Solar-Powered E-Waste Hub at Khan Market to Boost Decentralized Recycling – EQ
In Short : NDMC and NGO Chintan have launched a solar-powered micro material recovery facility (MRF) at Khan Market to manage e-waste and household hazardous waste. Powered by a 1 kW solar panel, the facility sorts items like batteries, chargers, clothes, and plastics for certified recycling. It’s run by trained waste pickers and is part of a broader decentralized waste management plan.
In Detail : The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), in collaboration with the NGO Chintan, has inaugurated a solar-powered micro material recovery facility (MRF) at Khan Market. This initiative aims to provide a localized and eco-friendly solution for managing e-waste and household hazardous waste in one of Delhi’s busiest commercial areas.
The facility has been set up inside a repurposed dhalao and is equipped with clearly marked bins for the collection of items such as batteries, old electronics, chargers, plastics, clothes, shoes, and books. These items are sorted, compressed, and sent to certified recyclers, ensuring that waste is diverted from landfills and handled responsibly.
A 1-kilowatt solar panel has been installed to power basic utilities at the site, including lighting, fans, and weighing scales. This use of clean energy underscores the project’s focus on sustainable waste management and reducing the carbon footprint of waste operations.
The facility is operated by trained waste pickers who have been formally integrated into the system. This not only enhances waste handling efficiency but also supports dignified livelihoods for informal sector workers, providing them with safer working conditions and better economic opportunities.
NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra and Chintan founder Bharati Chaturvedi have urged residents and businesses to actively participate by dropping off their waste or scheduling pickups. Public engagement is considered crucial for the success of this decentralized model of waste collection.
This installation is the first of eight similar micro-MRFs planned in NDMC zones. The broader goal is to reduce landfill dependency and ensure compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 by promoting decentralized, clean, and inclusive waste management systems.
