India launched a nationwide e-waste recycling initiative on Thursday under the government’s month-long Special Campaign 5.0, aimed at promoting Swachhata, or cleanliness, and scientific waste management in public offices.
The Ministry of Mines and the Department of Defence launched parallel drives to collect and recycle obsolete electronic equipment, from computers and printers to mobile phones, while ensuring resource recovery and environmental protection.
Mines Ministry Focuses on Circular Economy
The Ministry of Mines began its Pan-India E-Waste Recycling Drive on October 2, under the leadership of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy.
Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal inaugurated the drive at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi, where a dedicated collection stall has been set up for employees to deposit old devices or book home pick-ups.
The initiative is being implemented across India in partnership with the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development & Design Centre, with participation from regional offices, field units, and autonomous bodies under the ministry.
JNARDDC has collaborated with Attero, a leading electronic waste recycler, to establish 20 collection stalls nationwide at key government and public sector locations.
Attero uses patented recycling technology to extract valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, supporting India’s transition to clean energy and the National Critical Minerals Mission.
“By turning electronic waste into a strategic resource, we are aligning Swachhata with sustainability,” the ministry said in a statement.
Defence Ministry Targets E-Waste and Efficiency
The Department of Defence has also entered the implementation phase of Special Campaign 5.0, focusing on disposing of outdated IT equipment across its network of offices and organizations.
The campaign covers a wide range of institutions, including the Controller General of Defence Accounts, Border Roads Organization, Indian Coast Guard and various military schools and mountaineering institutes across India.
According to the ministry, the drive not only aims to clear obsolete assets but also to enhance workplace efficiency and productivity through decluttering and proper waste management.
During the preparatory phase, the DoD identified pending files, public grievances and parliamentary assurances to address under the campaign, reinforcing the government’s broader push for accountability and cleanliness.
Toward a Cleaner, Resource-Efficient Bharat
Running from October 2 to 31, Special Campaign 5.0 is the latest in a series of government efforts to integrate cleanliness with sustainability. This year’s focus on e-waste marks a significant step in India’s broader environmental management agenda.
By reclaiming critical minerals and reducing electronic clutter, the initiative underscores New Delhi’s commitment to circular economy principles and its goal of creating a cleaner, self-reliant Bharat.
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