The cooperative society is renowned for its PMC-SWaCH model, which is dependable, transparent, cost-effective, and sustainable while safeguarding the livelihoods and dignity of waste pickers.
Pune: A delegation from the US Consulate General Mumbai, led by Consul General Mike Hankey, visited the waste management facility run by SWaCH waste picker women at the residential colony of the National Chemical Laboratory, Pashan to study the well-known waste picker-led SWaCH Model. During the conference, Hankey and his team engaged with waste pickers to better understand the decentralized waste management system they had developed over the past 15 years in collaboration with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).Â
The waste pickers showed off their recycling efforts, keeping 200 tonnes of recyclables out of landfill daily. Trash collectors also displayed the composting facility they run.
While the interaction highlighted the efforts of thousands of empowered women elevating their lives and professions, the micro-entrepreneurial essence of the SWaCH model was once again emphasized. “It was great meeting ladies waste pickers in Pune and seeing the incredible work they are doing,” Hankey said after the meeting with waste collectors. He added that he would love to learn more about the underprivileged populations in India and waste pickers.
The US Embassy has been assisting organizations that sincerely work to protect the environment, promote climate justice, and uplift women and young people.
“We are pleased to provide the US Consulate General with a women-led organization and recycling activities. He talked to us and asked us some pretty intriguing questions,” said Suman More, Chairperson, SWaCH.Â
