January 2026

HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH

Strengthening the backbone of the urban sanitation

—equipped Pourakarmikas with skills, saftey awarness and professional recognition

Strengthening the backbone 

Following the successful implementation of our earlier Solid Waste Management (SWM) initiatives in Vijayapura district, the district authorities expressed their appreciation for the outcomes and extended an invitation to conduct Pourakarmika Capacity (PKC) building sessions across their Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Responding to this request, Let’s Be The Change (LBTC) initiated structured upskilling sessions across nine ULBs in the district. These sessions were designed to strengthen on-ground waste management systems by building the capacity of Pourakarmikas and frontline sanitation workers.

The PKC sessions focused on:

• Scientific waste segregation at source

• Strengthening dry and wet waste handling practices

• Workplace safety and use of protective measures

• Operational efficiency in collection and transportation systems

• Importance of documentation and accountability

• Dignity of labour and recognition of sanitation workers as essential service providers

• Behavioural change and public engagement strategies

  
  

The sessions were conducted in an interactive and participatory format, encouraging dialogue, practical demonstrations, and real-world problem-solving discussions. Workers actively shared their field-level challenges, allowing the sessions to address local operational realities.

Sl. No.	Date	Day	Location	No. of Participants	TMC/ ULB covered
1	17-01-2026	Saturday	Indi	150	Indi and Chadachana
2	18-01-2026	Sunday	Sindagi	200	Sindagi, Almeli and Devarahipparagi
3	19-01-2026	Monday	Bagewadi	200	Kolhara, Basavana Bagewadi, Nilagundi and Managuli
4	20-01-2026	Tuesday	Talikote	150	Talikote

Out of the 14 ULB/TMCs identified in Vijayapura district, 10 have been successfully completed covering around 700 pourakarmikas. The remaining sessions are scheduled to be conducted in the coming month.

The engagement reflects the district administration’s commitment to strengthening decentralized waste management systems and improving working conditions for sanitation workers. LBTC remains committed to supporting Vijayapura district in building sustainable and efficient waste management practices.

Namma Swachha Adugodi (NSA) 

Under the Namma Swachha Adugodi (NSA) initiative, Let’s Be The Change and Saahas continued working towards building stronger, cleaner, and more responsible communities through a blend of awareness sessions, on-ground action, and behaviour change programs across the Adugodi area.

This month’s key activities included:

• Evening awareness

  As part of Clean-Up Day, an evening awareness session was conducted where children were engaged in learning about proper waste segregation through a fun and interactive game. The session aimed to build awareness in an engaging way, and it concluded with a small token of appreciation, where pencils were distributed to encourage their participation and reinforce the learning.

  
  
  

  

  

• Repair Campaign and Evening awarness

  To promote the message “Don’t discard—repair and reuse,” one repair drive and an evening awareness conducted by Sahaas this month focusing on tailoring, knife sharpening, and bicycle repair services. On 30th January, a repair campaign was conducted, with around 113 participants availing repair services and 20 participants engaging with the thrift store.

  1. These campaigns reinforced circular economy principles, demonstrating how simple actions like repairing items can significantly reduce waste.

  2. The evening awareness was done to educate residents on proper waste segregation practices, including separating wet, dry, and sanitary waste at source and promoting composting. The session included practical guidance and open discussions where community members shared challenges such as space constraints, lack of clarity, and collection issues.

     
     

     Overall, the initiative aimed to improve segregation practices and strengthen community participation in sustainable waste management.

  
  
  

  

  

• Clean-up drive

  A clean-up drive was conducted in the 13th Block of Adugodi in collaboration with the Pourakarmikas. The activity focused on clearing accumulated waste, improving sanitation in the area, and supporting the frontline workers in maintaining cleanliness. The initiative aimed to strengthen community responsibility while ensuring better coordination with the Pourakarmikas for sustained waste management efforts.

  
  
  

  

  

• Health Camp

  On 6th February, the Sahaas team organized a dedicated health camp for the pourakarmikas. The camp focused on essential health screenings including ECG tests, blood sugar level checks, and blood pressure monitoring for all participants.

The initiative aimed to ensure early detection of health concerns and promote preventive care among the sanitation workers who tirelessly serve the community. The response was highly positive, and the camp proved to be both supportive and impactful in prioritizing their well-being.

• Cleanathon 

  A Cleanathon was conducted in collaboration between LBTC and Sahaas at the 11th Block of Adugodi. The initiative focused on cleaning up a black spot area that had become a dumping point for waste. The team carried out a small wall clean-up, removing accumulated garbage and restoring the space to improve its appearance and hygiene. The activity aimed to discourage open dumping, create awareness among residents, and promote responsible waste disposal practices within the community.

• Waste Audit

A continued detailed waste audit was carried out to assess the quality of segregation and identify gaps in collection practices.

Veeraru

As part of our continued efforts to promote sustainable waste management practices at the grassroots level, a composting system was successfully established at Dairy Colony School. The initiative was carried out with the valuable support and technical guidance of Vasuki Iyengar from Soil and Health. With his assistance, we installed a structured composting unit using PVC mesh and MS mesh to ensure durability, aeration, and efficient decomposition.

The setup was designed to help the school manage its organic waste in a systematic and environmentally responsible manner. By converting biodegradable waste into nutrient-rich compost, the initiative not only reduces waste sent to landfills but also creates a practical learning model for students on sustainable living.

The support extended during the installation process was highly encouraging, and the collaboration reflects a shared commitment toward building environmentally conscious institutions.

This initiative stands as another step toward strengthening decentralized waste management practices and promoting hands-on environmental education within school communities.

In addition to composting, the process of rainwater harvesting systems were explained in both schools throuhg a working model. This enabaled them to understand the concept in a more better way.

The engagement also included awareness sessions on bioenzymes — explaining their preparation, uses, and environmental benefits. Students and staff were introduced to the concept of converting organic waste into natural cleaning solutions, reinforcing the idea of circular resource use and chemical-free alternatives.

Further, interactive discussions were conducted on nutrition and food awareness. Students were guided on how to read food labels, understand nutritional values, and identify ingredients, sugars, and preservatives. This session aimed to build informed consumption habits and encourage healthier food choices.

Together, these initiatives — composting, rainwater harvesting, bioenzyme awareness, and nutrition education — contribute toward creating a holistic sustainability model within the school environment. The strong support extended during implementation reflects a shared vision of nurturing environmentally conscious and health-aware communities.

Project Repurpose 2.0

We, in partnership with OSB India, officially launched Project Repurpose 2.0 and started the drives from october every alternate sunday. Till last month we had conducted 6 drives and collected over 3,100 bulky waste. The drive marked the beginning of a renewed collaboration focused on sustainable waste management, textile upcycling, and corporate engagement.

Here is the updated table of this months drive — clearly stating that all old clothes and the listed materials were collected to prevent piling up at home and instead donated for upcycling and repurposing:

Category	7th Repurpose Drive	8th Repurpose Drive
Location	RT Nagar	BTM Layout
Date	4th January 2026	18th January 2026
Drop-Off Contributions	50+ participants	25+ participants
Total waste  collected	2,003kg	831kg

We’re happy to share that we successfully hosted another Operation Repurpose drive at Smondoville Apartment in Electronic City. What made this initiative special is that the residents themselves reached out to us, eager to organize the event in their apartment and actively contribute towards responsible waste management. Their enthusiasm and proactive approach truly set the tone for the drive.

The event ran from 11th to 26th January. On the first day, our team visited the apartment, set up the collection points, and guided residents on how to segregate and contribute waste correctly. Clear instructions and hands-on explanation ensured smooth participation throughout the drive. On 26th January, the final day, our team returned to collect the accumulated waste, carefully sorted 1136kg of waste and transported it for responsible processing.

These upcoming drives reflect a continued commitment to scaling sustainable waste management practices, strengthening community participation, and expanding the reach of Operation Repurpose across multiple neighborhoods. Through consistent on-ground engagement, the initiative aims to foster long-term behavioral change and environmentally responsible communities.

SWM Capacity-Building Sessions

On 7th January in Vikas Soudha The Swachh Bharat Mission Department, under the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), Govt of Karnataka, organized a session for all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Karnataka in preparation for Swachh Sarvekshan 2026–27. As part of this initiative, our organization was invited to understand the process and prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which includes segregation tracking mechanisms, garbage dumps beautification, citizen feedback, upskilling sanitation workers and many more activity tracking parameters which can help ULBs score better in the coming Swachh Survekshan 2026-27.

Namma Swaccha Madiwala

Happiest Minds, concerned about persistent cleanliness challenges in the Madiwala Market region, approached Let’s Be The Change (LBTC) seeking a structured and sustainable waste-management solution under their CSR initiative. In response, LBTC launched “Namma Swaccha Madiwala,” a 6-month pilot programme focused on transforming waste handling practices in the area.

A core team meeting was held to review ongoing activities and ensure smooth progress of upcoming implementations. During the discussion, the placement of waste bins was finalized, and flower vendors were instructed to clear the designated space by 8:30 AM each day to facilitate proper installation and accessibility.

A sample dustbin was sent for review and approval to ensure it meets the required standards before proceeding with larger-scale production. The remaining bins will be manufactured and installed within the month of February as planned. The meeting emphasized timely execution, coordination, and maintaining accountability to ensure effective implementation on the ground.

Environmental Film Festival

We were invited by Rotary Bangalore North to deliver a presentation about Let’s Be The Change and the work we are carrying out across communities. During the session, we shared insights into our key initiatives, including waste segregation programs, composting models, school interventions, capacity building for pourakarmikas, and community-driven sustainability projects.

The discussion focused not only on showcasing our impact but also on exploring meaningful collaboration opportunities. We spoke about how Rotary members can partner with us to expand outreach, strengthen implementation at the ward level, and co-create scalable models for environmental and social change.

The interaction was engaging and encouraging, with members showing strong interest in supporting ongoing and future initiatives. We look forward to building a collaborative relationship that amplifies impact and brings sustainable change to more communities across Bangalore.

Cutlery Bank

At Let’s Be The Change, we’re always looking for smart, scalable ways to reduce waste and promote sustainable living. One of our standout community solutions is the Cutlery Bank — a reusable cutlery lending system that helps events ditch single-use disposables and cut down landfill waste.

Every year in India, countless parties, weddings, festivals, and community gatherings use plastic plates, cups, and spoons — items that are used for a short time but take centuries to break down. The Cutlery Bank tackles this head-on by offering high-grade steel plates, tumblers, bowls, and spoons for rent, supporting events for up to 1,000 people with reusable alternatives.

Here’s how it works:

• Pick what you need: Choose the number of cutlery sets for your event by filling out the form from our website.

• Pay a refundable deposit: A security deposit is charged and fully refunded once the clean items are returned.

• Use and enjoy: Your event can be stylish, hygienic, and eco-friendly — without plastic waste.

• Return & reuse: Once done, return the cutlery; after washing and hygiene checks, these pieces loop back into circulation for another event.

• Clean & safe: All items are thoroughly washed and sanitized using natural cleaners to prioritize hygiene.

  
  

The Cutlery Bank isn’t just about replacing disposables — it’s about changing mindsets. By making sustainable options accessible and cost-effective, we’re nudging individuals and organizations toward circular economy practices and reducing unnecessary waste at gatherings of all sizes.

Whether you’re organizing a community function, a corporate gathering, or a celebration with friends, choosing reusable cutlery is a simple step with a big impact — and the Cutlery Bank is here to make it easy.

Erudition Time:

Starting April 1, the Solid Waste Management (SWM) initiative will be formally implemented to strengthen waste segregation, streamline collection systems, and improve overall cleanliness in the community. The initiative will focus on proper bin placement, monitoring segregation at source, awareness among vendors and residents, and structured tracking of waste movement.

This marks a significant step towards building a more accountable and sustainable waste management system, ensuring long-term environmental impact and community participation.

How many kgs of waste does India generate in a year ?

• 1000 lakh tonnes
• 620 lakh tonnes
• 620 lakh tonnes