Pune: PMC Begins Trial Run Of E-Cycles For Sanitation Workers

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in a bid to promote sustainable waste management, has decided to explore options to procure electric cycles for garbage collection.

The city generates more than 2,100 tonnes of solid waste daily, which is collected and transported to solid waste processing plants located in different parts of the city. The PMC motor vehicle department spends around ₹113 crore per year on vehicle maintenance, including fuel, repairs, maintenance and staff salaries.

The city’s 4,000 waste pickers—most of whom are women—collect garbage daily. These workers provide door-to-door waste collection services to over 4 million residents, covering nearly 68% of the city's garbage collection.

Remarkably, Pune's plastic recycling rate stands at 37%—over three times the national average—largely thanks to the efforts of these waste pickers.

Traditionally, sanitary workers have used pushcarts for door-to-door collection, helping the civic body implement decentralised waste management. This system enhances waste segregation, triples recycling rates compared to mechanised systems, and creates four times more employment. However, the work is physically demanding, causing significant fatigue and strain for the waste pickers.

To ease this burden, a group of committed waste workers known as the Hardworking Panchayat has partnered with Tata Motors and Social Alpha to electrify 150 pushcarts. Delhi-based startup Accelero Vehicles has developed special electric kits that can be fitted onto existing carts, designed with input from waste pickers to meet their specific needs.

This initiative, part of Tata Motors' CSR and Affirmative Action efforts, aims to improve the working conditions and dignity of waste pickers in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Initially, 150 e-carts (5% of the 3,000 total carts in use) will be deployed for a three-month trial period. The results will be evaluated jointly by waste pickers and the PMC. If successful, the model could be expanded to benefit sanitation workers and waste handlers across India.

Additionally, specialised training programmes are planned to support waste pickers, including skills for horticultural work, broadening their livelihood opportunities.