SWaCH (Solid Waste Collection and Handling), officially known as the SWaCH Seva Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, Pune, holds the distinction of being India’s pioneering cooperative entirely owned by self-employed waste pickers, waste collectors, and other urban underprivileged individuals. This groundbreaking organization came into being through a collaborative effort between the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the waste pickers’ union known as Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat (KKPKP).
In 2008, PMC and SWaCH entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the objective of decentralizing door-to-door waste collection services and empowering SWaCH members to take charge of this critical task. As of now, SWaCH boasts an impressive membership of 2300 individuals, who diligently serve a staggering 3,78,419 households across 76 prabhags (locality clusters) in 15 municipal administrative wards of PMC.
This cooperative initiative has not only revolutionized waste management but has also provided sustainable livelihood opportunities to the marginalized sections of society. SWaCH’s commendable efforts and commitment to fostering a cleaner and greener urban environment have garnered widespread appreciation and recognition. Through their collective dedication, SWaCH members contribute significantly to the betterment of the community and set a shining example for others to follow.
SWaCH Impact
Outcomes:
- No open dumping since 2010 and 100 % scientific processing of waste
- Zero garbage
- Decentralised waste processing plant – 27 TPD
- More than half MW of energy from 60 tons of organic waste using biogas
- About 10 MW /hr of energy from 700 Tons of waste by using plasma pyrolysis technology
- Integration of informal sector in Municipal Solid Waste Management
- 300 +/- 5 % m3 /day biogas is generated
- Waste pickers and itinerant buyers collect recyclables that amounts to 22% of MSW
