Where Does It Go?

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Waste is a looming problem that threatens to poison every aspect of our lives from the air we breathe to the water we drink, and the soil we rely on. We consume without a thought, carelessly discarding our possessions, never pausing to consider the fate of our trash. But where does it all go? The city of Gurgaon alone sends out 220 truckloads of garbage every day, and our landfills are teetering on the brink of collapse. 

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The “Where Does it Go?” initiative by iamgurgaon in partnership with the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon and Artpilgrim Live thus aims at raising awareness around the mounting problem of waste and its impact on our lives. The initiative recognised that art could be an effective medium to communicate this message and inspire change. Led by renowned artist Arunkumar HG, a group of twelve local artists collected waste from residential complexes and schools and using it to create a series of immersive installations.

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The “Where Does it Go?” initiative was a collaboration between the government, civil society, and corporate entities, with Boston Scientific sponsoring the programme and SAAF, NAMO, and Artpilgrim Live joining forces to make it a success. However, creating awareness and inspiring a desire for change was not enough. To truly make a difference, a space was needed where individuals could access the knowledge and resources necessary to make sustainable choices. Thus, Samadhaan Hub, a one-stop shop for all things sustainability, entered the picture.  

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What is Samadhaan Hub?

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Samadhaan Hub empowers individuals to take action by providing a variety of platforms for learning and engagement. The information area features exhibits on waste and practical steps that can be taken to reduce it. The upaaygiri space hosts interactive workshops on waste segregation and management. The interactive zone offers a fun and engaging way to learn about sustainability through special events hosted by iamgurgaon.

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As a part of this initiative, iamgurgaon also set up dry waste collection units that enables residents to drop off different kinds of waste (paper, plastic, metal, e-waste, glass, clothes, expired and non-expired medicines) to mitigate unnecessary dumping and further environmental damage through accumulation.

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Location:

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Samadhaan Hub

Block D, Near Khushboo Chowk, Sector 26A

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eXChKPo5rzW5BmTX6?g_st=ic

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iamgurgaon has now successfully set up 3 more dry waste collection units, with the Mandir unit specifically for recycling puja/festive waste.

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Locations:

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Mandir Recycling Unit

Prachin Hanuman Aur Shani Dev Mandir, Off Sunset Boulevard

https://maps.app.goo.gl/p1zFN9Q3dw1JB6bHA?g_st=ic

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Badshahpur Recycling Unit

Badshahpur Forest Corridor, South Peripheral Rd, Near Tatvam Villas, Dhani, Sector 69

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TMmPGXaFMuTT1pgz8?g_st=ic

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Creek 56 Recycling Unit

Block B, Near Smriti Apartments, Sector 56

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aVK1GWX4pKCSV66TA?g_st=ic

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‍What happens to the dry waste you drop off?

The waste is segregated on site and donated to our partner NGOs for recycling.

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In 2023, we stopped 76,772.82 kgs of dry waste from going to the landfills. Compared to 2022, the residents of Gurgaon dropped off 52,935.42 kgs more waste for recycling at our units!

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Paper waste that can be reused, like books and stationery items, is donated to Free Pathshala which provides free education to underprivileged children.

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Paper waste that cannot be reused but can be recycled is sold to local recyclers. The proceeds from this are donated to Free Pathshala.

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Soft plastic is donated to Avacayam who recycle it to make gift items.

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Hard plastic is sent to local recyclers who recycle it to build roads.

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Festive waste like flowers is donated to Avacayam, who then transform them into Holi colours and incense sticks.

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E-waste is donated to NAMO. Repairable e-waste goes through asset refurbishment and the non-repairable e-waste is dismantled so that various parts of devices can be reused.

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Expired medicines are disposed of as per government. guidelines and non-expired medicines are donated to Maanas School for those who need them.

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Clothes, toys and other essential items are donated to GOONJ, an organisation that helps the underprivileged.

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All the above dry waste collection units are open on all 7 days of the week except on national holidays | 8 AM to 5 PM

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For every 10 kgs of dry waste you drop off, you get a reusable bag for free!

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