e-waste, considered hazardous, is fast becoming a goldmine for educational institutions in the district, as they are making a steady income out of it, thanks to a novel programme launched by the State-run Clean Kerala Company (CKC).
As many as seven institutions have sold a combined 30,000 kg of e-waste to CKC, thus amassing over Rs.7 lakh till June 30.
“In fact, the programme, which was launched last November, was run for only four months till February this year, by which time exams started. It is expected to go full steam this academic year, as we target a collection more than 500 tones of e-waste,” CKC Managing Director Kabeer B. Haroon told The Hindu .
All institutions, including colleges, polytechnics, high schools, higher secondary schools, and vocational higher secondary schools with a network of National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, are expected to reap the benefits.
Topper
Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara, topped the list, earning nearly Rs.5 lakh through the sale of 19,380 kg of e-waste, including used computers, laptops, television sets, and refrigerators.
The proceeds of the sale will be used to refurbish the laboratory.
Mr. Haroon said considering that each NSS volunteer at educational institutions possibly reaching out to around 50 households in their locality, the message for easy and economical disposal of e-waste would spread far and wide.
CKC, which procures e-waste from local bodies at Rs.10 per kg, has fixed the rate at Rs.25 per kg for educational institutions as an added incentive.
CKC, in turn, sells the procured e-waste to a Hyderabad-based company at Rs.45 per kg. The company has so far earned Rs.73.27 lakh by selling 245 tones of e-waste.
