![\"Delhi](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-133101603,imgsize-1305954,width-400,height-225,resizemode-75\/the-colony-has-also-introduced-a-qr-code-based-waste-collection-system.jpg\" "\\"The")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: What if the waste generated by a household never reached a landfill? In south Delhi’s Navjeevan Vihar, more than 280 families are showing that simple habits, community participation and smart waste management can turn everyday garbage into a resource.According to news agency ANI, the colony has adopted a “zero waste to landfill” model under which residents segregate wet and dry waste at source. Kitchen waste, including vegetable and fruit peels, is converted into compost within the colony and used for gardening, while dry waste such as plastic is sent for recycling.For the Banerjee family, waste segregation has become part of everyday life. Resident Gopa Banerjee said separating waste at source was essential for protecting the environment.“When wet and non-biodegradable waste are mixed, they can cause environmental harm. Segregated wet waste can turn into compost, while dry waste can be recycled,” she said.The community-led initiative is being driven by Dr Ruby Makhija, secretary of the Navjeevan Vihar Resident Welfare Association (RWA). Under the system, segregated waste from individual homes is collected and taken to dedicated processing and recycling facilities, ensuring that waste generated by the colony does not end up in a landfill.Makhija said the aim was not to eliminate waste generation altogether but to ensure that it did not add to landfill waste mountains.“The real concept is zero waste to landfill. We must reduce the waste we generate, use it responsibly and ensure that nothing reaches the landfill unnecessarily,” she said.The colony has also introduced a QR code-based waste collection system. Residents can alert the collection team through the system, enabling sanitation workers to receive requests and collect waste promptly.ANI reported that young residents have also become an important part of the initiative. Over the past three years, several youngsters have joined the campaign, focusing not only on awareness but also on encouraging lasting behavioural change.Student Bhavuk, who is part of the initiative, said young people had an important role to play in promoting sustainable practices.“Our aim is not just to create awareness, but to bring positive behavioural change. As Gen Z, we should not wait for change–we should become the change,” he said.Navjeevan Vihar’s experience shows how household-level segregation, community participation and technology can work together to create an effective waste-management system.(With agency inputs)<\/div>\n