Guwahati: Girijananda Chowdhury University (GCU) took a step toward environmental sustainability at its Azara campus by organising a large-scale Electronic waste (e-waste) collection drive in partnership with the Earthful Foundation. Nearly 1,400 electronic items were collected during the event, marking a significant milestone in the university’s green campus initiatives.
Electronic waste is among the fastest-growing environmental concerns in India, as discarded gadgets often contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Improper disposal in landfills can adversely affect soil health and local water systems. By providing a structured collection system, GCU ensured that hazardous components were handled safely, avoiding informal or unsafe recycling practices.
The initiative forms part of a broader sustainability roadmap at the university. Beyond collection, the drive served as an educational exercise, encouraging students to treat e-waste disposal as a personal and civic responsibility. The success of the 1,389-item haul is expected to guide future ecological programs in Assam, demonstrating the pivotal role academic institutions can play in regional waste management.
The collaboration with the Earthful Foundation aligns with Assam’s wider goals of mitigating the environmental impact of rapid digitalisation. The Guwahati-based non-profit, established in March 2018, focuses on creating circular economy models in which discarded electronics are repurposed for reuse rather than ending up in landfills. Its flagship initiatives, including “Project Good Waste” and the “E-Waste Detox Drive,” promote institutionalised waste segregation and accessible collection points, ensuring materials reach certified recyclers. The foundation works closely with the Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) to manage various waste streams, including plastic and e-waste, following the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover.