Wayanad e-waste drive gains NGO backing in push for November 1 deadline

Wayanad is making a final push to become India's first completely e-waste-free district by 1 November, backed by local voluntary groups, non-governmental organisations, and municipal workers.

At a review meeting on Monday, voluntary organisations pledged active support to collect discarded electronics across every ward and panchayat in the district. Minister T. Siddique, who chaired the meeting, instructed officials to ensure that no corner of the hill district is missed, directing collection teams to cover households, commercial shops, restaurants, resorts, homestays, and public spaces.

The district-wide campaign has now entered its second phase, turning its focus to private establishments and residential areas after successfully clearing state offices of old electronic equipment.

What Phase 1 achieved across Wayanad

The first phase of the drive, conducted between 28 September and 30 September, targeted public sector offices and yielded 31 tonnes of electronic waste. Municipalities and panchayats collected old computers, printers, wiring, and office electronics, which were handed over to the state-backed Clean Kerala Company for scientific processing and recycling.

Kalpetta and Sultan Bathery led the initial cleanup, accounting for nearly four-fifths of the government e-waste collected across the district.

How the household collection works

The ongoing second phase relies on a coordinated network of three-tier panchayati raj institutions, local elected representatives, and members of the Haritha Karma Sena, the state green task force.

Collection points have been set up at the ward level, alongside door-to-door collection drives. To encourage public participation, residents and business owners handing over discarded gadgets and electrical items receive financial compensation at government-fixed rates.

Contracted agencies working alongside the Clean Kerala Company will manage the safe transport and scientific disposal of the collected material. Local authorities have been asked to complete ward-level documentation rapidly, while meetings with resort owners, hoteliers, and trade associations are underway to ensure full coverage before the November 1 target date.

The drive highlights Kerala's grassroots governance model, combining municipal planning with civic participation to deliver clean environment milestones.