Young learners discover the journey of waste from disposal to recycling

What happens to waste after it leaves our homes and workplaces? How can discarded materials find a new purpose instead of ending up in landfills? Seeking answers to these questions, students of Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram visited the OneStepGreener waste management and recycling facility in Sector 35, Gurugram. Organised by the Rotaract Club of Apeejay Stya University (RACASUG), the visit offered participants an immersive learning experience in waste recovery, recycling and sustainable resource management.

The initiative brought together a large group of students, Rotaractors and other members of the university community. It aimed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and environmental practices by allowing participants to witness how different categories of waste are sorted, processed and prepared for recovery and reuse.

Established by its founder, Mr. Agarwal, OneStepGreener began its operations in Vasant Vihar, Delhi, and has since expanded to other locations. The facility processes approximately 30 tonnes of waste daily. On arrival, the students were welcomed by Priya Ma’am, who guided them through the facility and explained its operations.

The tour began at the waste segregation section, where students observed mixed waste being transferred onto conveyor belts. Workers manually separated materials such as cardboard, paperboard, magazines and single-use plastics. The demonstration highlighted why segregation at source and careful sorting are essential, as different materials require specific recycling processes. Effective separation also helps improve the quality of resources recovered.

At the paper-processing section, participants learned how cardboard and paper are compressed into compact bales for easier storage and transportation before being sent to specialised recycling facilities. They also observed how bulky thermocol waste is shredded to reduce its volume and prepare it for further processing and reuse.

Plastic recovery offered another important insight into the recycling process. Students saw how plastic drums and other discarded plastic items are sorted according to their types and suitability for recycling before being crushed or shredded. Depending on the material and process, the plastic may be washed, dried and converted into granules that can serve as raw material for manufacturing. The team also explained the differences between plastics such as HDPE, PVC and PP and why identifying their properties is important for appropriate recycling.

The visit further introduced students to electronic waste management. They learned how discarded electronic items are dismantled and their components separated for resource recovery, specialised treatment or appropriate disposal. The facility team also explained workplace safety measures, including protective equipment and precautions against dust and noise exposure. Participants gained an understanding of how automation can improve processing efficiency and reduce certain forms of manual handling.

The impact of the visit was reflected in participant feedback collected from 18 students. While 72.2% reported that the experience significantly improved their understanding of waste management, recycling and sustainability, an encouraging 94.4% said they would definitely participate in similar RACASUG activities. Waste segregation and sorting emerged as the most popular activity, followed by thermocol recycling, plastic granulation and material recovery, and baling and shredding.

The experience reinforced a simple yet powerful message: responsible waste management begins with informed choices and proper segregation. Through this visit, RACASUG encouraged students to recognise their role in conserving resources and building a cleaner, greener future through collective action.