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

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2. Operational Impact

Metric	Achievement
Waste Processed	100+ tons/day
Landfill Diversion Rate	98%
CO₂ Emissions Offset	94,817 metric tons (CO₂ equivalent)
Dry Waste Recycled	65.4%
E-Waste Recycled	100%
Organic Waste Composted	100% (segregated at source)

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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

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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

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5. Challenges Faced

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

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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

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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

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📘 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.