You can join the program as an individual residential building, housing complex, educational institute, corporate office. Below is some information about the program and guidelines to successfully run the program.
- Why wrappers (MLP)? We are deeply focused on one particular packaging item because it is generated in large quantities everyday and gets lost in the general classification of dry waste. It is not collected by rag pickers or recyclers because of poor prices and will inevitably be disposed of in the municipal waste system. Hence our slogan – Don’t Bin it. Bank it.
- This is one of the most prevalent forms of packaging currently and is also the most damaging to the environment because it cannot be recycled. Being able to collect it securely becomes important if it has to be disposed in a proper manner causing least damage to the environment
- Anyone can join the program. We encourage participation by young citizens in the 5-20 age group. This can be completely run by them also. The program becomes a valuable learn-by-doing exercise.
- The program encourages participants to measure their impact. Hence we ask for (not compulsory) counting of the wrappers and other plastic items collected in the drive. It ultimately helps you.
- Our chosen method of disposal is co-processing where the MLP waste is burnt in cement kilns in a process called co-processing. Our partner for the same is Ahmedabad based waste management company Nepra.
What is collected?
The program has a primary focus on wrappers, also known as multi layered packaging waste (MLP). We have included tetra packs recently.
Pic for representational purpose
How to identify MLP?
This is thin and light, many times silver inside though in case of Maggi wrappers this may not be the case. On the back cover it may also carry the code No. 7 with the recycling sign.
Below are suggested steps that are being followed successfully at approximately 100 locations for more than a year. It is not difficult at all and if the team is enthusiastic this can also be fun. You can choose how you want to go about in the initial stages.
Preparation
- This is a very easy activity and consumes little time if the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is followed. (Create a core working group so that the workload is distributed.)
- Before beginning collection please ensure that there is a designated area for storing the waste, which is free from the influence of water, dogs, rats etc. Collection from our side will be once in a month and hence storage space is important.
- Purchase appropriate bags for storage. We encourage the reuse of second-hand polypropylene sacks or cardboard cartons. You may need to purchase new bags in which case we suggest transparent large polyethylene bags.
- Keep a register for recording all the collections. This is very important. It may be difficult in the beginning but you will feel very satisfied with your efforts as time goes.
We can handhold you in the initial stages for the steps below
Step 1 – Register
First, register your building or entity by sending an email to info@safaibank.org. We place high importance on measuring impact and once registered you can access the IT backend to enter your records. This is how it shows finally – https://admin.safaibank.org/BranchesSummary.aspx
Secondly, register your self as coordinator or account holder.
If a building has 50 participating residents and 2 coordinators then the Coordinators will register using
1. coordinator link and account holders using link
2. Coordinators can make entry into the system.
If the building collects 200 wrappers during a collection drive then they can make a whole entry or break it as per each individual account collection. Any option is fine.
Step 2 – Start collecting at individual level
All the individual participants need to store the waste at home. Keep a count as well. When you deposit during collection you should hand over the count to coordinators.
Washed, dried and flattened tetrapaks Counted and stored MLP waste
Step 3 – Organise regular collections
Having a fixed collection schedule makes it easy for everybody participating. Chose a fixed day of the week, time and location so that the core group does not have to communicate ever time. At the designated time keep the collection bags or cartons ready and a register. Collection can be once in a week on a Sunday and the drive need not take more than 15 mins as you get organised.
It’s important that the coordinators do not count the individual collections. If 10 people come to deposit then those 10 people should have counted their collections and only give the final number to the coordinators for entry in register.
After the drive, store the collection and keep it ready for pickup.
Step 4 – Record your collections
You can use the IT program to login to your account and record your collections. This will help you keep a track of your impact over 12 months. Picture of dashboard is shared below.
Step 5 – Pickup
We are creating a streamlined schedule but till then we will notify you a week in advance about a pickup. Please keep the material ready with security or a designated person. Please keep them informed that while this is garbage they should not throw it away into the municipal pickup service.
Indicative pictures below
