India faces significant environmental challenges due to inadequate waste management practices, resulting in pollution, health hazards and inefficient use of resources. The absence of proper waste segregation, collection, and disposal infrastructure compounds the issue. Moreover, the lack of awareness and capacity building among waste workers and communities hinders the adoption of sustainable waste management practices. There was a pressing need for a comprehensive approach that addresses these gaps and promotes a circular economy through effective waste management solutions.
In February 2021, SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited (hereafter referred to as SBI Card) & Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) collaborated to conceive the flagship CSR initiative MASS which stands for Mantra for Advance Sustainable Solution. This initiative aims to address the growing environmental problems related to waste management by focusing on establishing the waste management infrastructure, establishing sustainable supply chain of low commercial value plastic waste and building capacities of waste workers, disseminating awareness and advocating the sustainable practices of waste management at large. It integrates all three pillars of sustainability; social, environmental and economic, focusing on improving the health and hygiene of waste workers, building their capacities and providing safer working environments. The project is now in its sixth consecutive phase and has active presence in Punjab, Jammu, Greater Noida, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Chennai
Project MASS is distinguished by its multifaceted approach to waste management and developing of the waste management infrastructure. It establishes infrastructure such as Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and plastic recycling units, helps channelling of plastic waste for recycling, builds capacities of waste workers and disseminates awareness to promote sustainable practices. A notable highlight of the project is the delivery of recycled school desks made from MLP waste to government schools, showcasing innovative waste utilization and uplifting the educational infrastructure of the nation.
Notable Impacts
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Since 2021, total 5 MRFs, 4 Plastic Recycling Facilities and a Textile Recycling Facility has been set up across PAN – India.
- Decentralized waste management system implemented at the 25 RWAs of Ghaziabad through the installation of 100 Aerobin composters
- Organized "The Big Patiala Run," a 10 km run to raise awareness about sustainability, with participation from over 800 enthusiasts.
- A total of 26,000 recycled school desks were distributed to the identified government schools in Uttarakhand and Jammu