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.