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Case Study: Saahas Zero Waste – A Circular Economy Model in Action

1. Overview

  • Founder: Wilma Rodrigues (former journalist and tour guide)
  • Origin: Started as an NGO in 2001, later became a social enterprise
  • Mission: Treat waste as a resource, not garbage
  • Operational Cities: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa

2. Operational Impact

Metric Achievement
Waste Processed 100+ tons/day
Landfill Diversion Rate 98%
COâ‚‚ Emissions Offset 94,817 metric tons (COâ‚‚ equivalent)
Dry Waste Recycled 65.4%
E-Waste Recycled 100%
Organic Waste Composted 100% (segregated at source)

3. Social Impact

  • Employment: 315+ individuals
  • Local Hiring: 58% hired locally
  • Informal Sector Integration:
    • "Let's Transform Program"
    • Supported 46 informal waste workers
    • Improved income, working conditions, social benefits

4. Key Initiatives & Business Models

A. Bulk Waste Generator Management (e.g., Cisco Tech Park, Bengaluru)

  • Challenge: Under-reported waste volume, logistics stress, client trust issues
  • Solution: Renegotiated terms, improved monitoring, maintained operations
  • Learning: Need for clear communication, flexible pricing, and operational adaptability

B. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

  • Partners with brands to manage plastic/e-waste take-back programs
  • Sets up reverse logistics (consumer → recycler)
  • Ensures legal compliance and sustainable supply chains

C. Circle Up – Upcycled Products

  • Sells products made from waste:
    • Bags
    • Office utilities
    • Garden compost
  • Demonstrates circular economy in practice

5. Challenges Faced

  • Under-estimation of waste volumes
  • Client billing and performance disputes
  • Logistical and cost pressures
  • Balancing social mission with market demands

6. Success Factors

  • Behavioral Change Focus: Works with tech parks, apartments, institutions
  • End-to-End Solution: Collection → processing → compliance → market return
  • Data-Driven: Monitors environmental and social impact rigorously
  • Innovative Business Models: EPR compliance, upcycled products

7. Broader Implications

  • Saahas exemplifies circular economy principles
  • Shows how social enterprises can bridge gaps in public waste management
  • Highlights the role of corporate responsibility (EPR) in waste reduction
  • Proves that waste can be a resource with the right systems and mindset

📘 Exam Tip

Focus on Saahas Zero Waste as a model of circular economy and social entrepreneurship. Highlight its operational achievements (98% diversion, 100% e-waste recycling), social impact (informal worker integration), and innovative approaches (EPR, upcycling). Use the Cisco case to illustrate real-world challenges and adaptive management. Emphasize how Saahas turns waste into value—environmentally, socially, and economically.

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