Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has launched a citywide e-waste ecosystem initiative that allows doorstep collection and retail drop-off through Quick Response (QR) code enabled requests. The service permits citizens to place collection requests via QR code and to deliver unwanted electronic items to authorised collection points operated by recycling firms. The authorised recyclers include Earth Sense, Recytronics, Pure Earth, Z Enviro and Green Enviro, which have been allocated responsibility for collection across the municipal area.

The initiative was inaugurated by the GHMC commissioner R V Karnan at electronic retail outlets in Ameerpet where the programme was introduced in partnership with Earth Sense. The launch took place at locations of Happy and Big C retail stores and forms part of an organised effort to streamline e-waste handling and channel material to approved recycling streams. The programme has been described as a municipal effort to reduce informal disposal and improve environmental compliance.

GHMC has facilitated the installation of 30 drop boxes inside select retail shops including BigC, BNew, Happi, LOT, Sangeetha, Select and Touch so that citizens may use nearby retail points to hand over obsolete devices. Information on each drop point can be accessed by scanning the QR code and the same system will allow citizens to register for doorstep pickup where collection is available. The system aims to make recycling more convenient and to divert electronic waste from general waste streams.

Under the scheme citizens who complete a drop-off will receive an appreciation certificate and redeemable reward points that can be exchanged at approved Self Help Groups (SHG). The scheme is currently operational at Shilparamam and with a few partner agencies and GHMC expects to extend SHG coverage to additional outlets. Officials say the structured approach will promote responsible disposal and create verified channels for e-waste recycling across Hyderabad.