HERALD: What is your field of specialty?
SOHAM PRABHU: We are the only e-waste collector and dismantler in Goa duly authorised by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). We also consult companies to file their e-waste annual returns (Form 3). Our most exciting service offering is that we help clients manage their e-waste as per the guidelines set by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) hence contributing towards a green environment via corporate and households.
HERALD: How does your company help Goans?
SP: We impact Goans and Goa in many ways. Firstly, by being the sole certified e-waste collector and dismantler in the State, we ensure a cleaner and greener Goa by disposing the e-waste in an environment-friendly manner. Secondly, for our operations we always hire local Goan youth preferably those who have graduated from Industrial Training Institutes (ITI). Thirdly, we can work with the ISO certified organisations in Goa to maintain their respective certifications; one of the criteria for which is to dispose their produced e-waste through an authorized entity.
HERALD: Who are your major customers?
SP: Since electronic goods have become a necessity in our lives, a small household or a huge corporate company can be a potential client for us. In the last one year of operations, we have worked with Smartlink, Finolex, Imagine Works, Schiffer & Menezes, Planet Hollywood and Directorate of Museums. Bulk consumers of electrical and electronic equipment like distributors and dealers of computers and laptops and government organisations can be our potential customers.
HERALD: What new innovation have you added in your service?
SP: We have come up with a unique concept to tie up with residential societies where we conduct a drive to collect their electronic waste. This becomes convenient for the entire society as every household has electronic junk which takes up substantial space in their homes which should be rightfully disposed.
HERALD: How do you see the Goa market?
SP: With technology entering our lives at a rapid pace, there is a constant need to upgrade our lifestyle. Hence, the gadgets and equipment that we use are changed every five years or so (even lesser in case of mobile phones and laptops). As a result, a huge amount of e-waste is generated on a regular basis. A majority of this e-waste is non-biodegradable and hazardous and hence should be handed over to the right people. There will be a continual demand for my services which over time, will only increase.
HERALD:What are the challenges you are currently facing in your business?
SP: Majority of e-waste handling currently takes place in the unorganised sector ie kabadiwallas and uncertified e-waste collectors and dismantlers which can be dangerous in the long run. Also, people are not well educated about the hazardous effects of e-waste on the environment and their lives. Hence they tend to opt for inappropriate ways to dispose their e-waste.
HERALD: Is there anything new from your company in the near future?
SP: Yes, very soon we shall be launching our website where an individual can visit, register and pledge their e-waste contribution. We shall then collect the e-waste from them and give them in return an acknowledgement and a letter of appreciation for their contribution towards the preservation of the environment.
HERALD: As an e-waste handler, what is your message to Goans?
SP: There are a lot of issues related to e-waste that unsettle us which we discuss about on various social media platforms. Sadly, that is the extent to which these issues get addressed. Global E-Waste Management System gives the opportunity to each and every individual to actually contribute and make a difference in the society they live in. Hence, we always say, “Earth is at stake, understand your e-waste”.
HERALD: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
SP: I would like to work with the Government of Goa as a consultant and subject matter expert in handling and disposal of e-waste. Also, I would like to work at my full allowed capacity (103MT/annum) and have collected and dismantled more than 500MT of e-waste over the next five years. We aspire to expand our collection capacity and to start a recycling unit with the latest technologies which will provide an added incentive for businesses being set up in Goa.
