Bengaluru, 11 February 2025: ITC Limited reinforced its commitment to environmental stewardship by hosting Samaagam: ITC WOW Green Awards Event at BR Ambedkar Auditorium, Bengaluru. The event recognized the exceptional contributions of students, educational institutions, dry waste collectors, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and corporates in advancing the Clean India Mission through sustainable waste management and recycling.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri PJ Anand, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, ITC Limited, along with Guests of Honour Smt Aanchal Chomal, Associate Director, School of Continuing Education, Azim Premji University, and Sri Basavaraj R Kabade, Chief General Manager & Chief Engineer, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited, Government of Karnataka.
Interschool Recycling Championship 2024-25: A Grand Success
The highlight of the event was the Interschool Recycling Championship (ISRC), ITC WOW’s flagship program designed to instill responsible waste management habits among students. The 2024-25 edition witnessed overwhelming participation:
75,000 students actively took part, contributing 500 metric tons of dry waste for recycling.
2,482 schools from across southern India participated, engaging 9.31 lakh students in waste segregation awareness.
Speaking at the event, Mr. PJ Anand lauded the efforts of the young participants, stating, “I extend my heartfelt compliments to the winners of the ITC WOW Interschool Recycling Championship. It is heartening to see the younger generation actively participating in waste management and spreading awareness on sustainability.”
ITC WOW’s Impact on Waste Management
Since its inception in 2007, ITC’s Wellbeing Out of Waste (WOW) initiative has emerged as one of India’s largest awareness programs on solid waste management. The program actively promotes source segregation, maximizes resource recovery, and supports sustainable livelihoods for waste handlers. Key achievements include:
69 lakh households and 67 lakh students engaged across six states.
17,844 waste collectors and ragpickers benefited.
65,000 metric tons of dry recyclable waste recovered annually.
21 lakh households covered across 180 wards in Karnataka alone.
The awards ceremony also served as a platform to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, schools, waste collectors, and corporates in promoting responsible waste management.
ITC, recognized globally for its sustainability leadership, has been solid waste recycling positive for 17 consecutive years and plastic neutral since FY2022. With a vision for a 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging goal by 2028, the company continues to champion a circular economy.
A Step Towards a Cleaner, Greener India
With around 1,500 attendees, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation and cultural performances by students, further emphasizing their commitment to environmental responsibility.
ITC WOW’s efforts highlight the power of collective action in achieving a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for India.
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