While recycling is great in a lot of ways, the ultimate goal is to get people to prevent waste in the first place.
MCKENZIE JONES
The 5Rs: A Path to Sustainability
The 5RCYCLE Foundation began with a simple observation by its founder, Dr. Smita Birkar: waste was not being segregated at its source, leading to overflowing landfills and irreparable harm to our planet. With a decade of experience in the plastics industry in India and the USA, Smita leveraged her expertise to address this growing crisis. On June 1, 2020, she established the foundation in Mumbai to promote zero-waste practices and foster a circular economy.
At 5RCYCLE, they believe in adopting the 5R model:
- Refuse unnecessary waste
- Reduce consumption
- Reuse materials
- Repurpose items creatively
- Recycle responsibly
By incorporating these actions into daily life—whether at home or in business—you can play a crucial role in minimizing landfill waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving natural resources.
Mission in Action
To date, 5RCYCLE has successfully diverted over 250 metric tons of dry, electronic, and thermocol waste from landfills through responsible recycling. They also focus on education, hosting workshops and campaigns to instill sustainable practices in individuals and organizations.
Key initiatives include:
- Recycling Programs: Addressing thermocol, dry waste, electronics, and used cooking oil.
- Mangrove Cleanups: In collaboration with Mangrove Marshalls, we host cleanups every Saturday at Vashi’s Sagar Vihar.
- Recycling Education for Kids: Our vibrant bins and playful sessions teach children the importance of waste segregation and eco-friendly habits.
- Fundraisers and Drives: Events like the 5RCYCLE Book Sale and Plastic Waste Collection Drives for Schools inspire communities to take action.
- Creative Repurposing: Transforming old walls into stunning murals, promoting art and sustainability.
Be a Part of the Change
By donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, you help 5RCYCLE educate more citizens, build better infrastructure, and achieve a greener future. Help refuse waste, embrace sustainability, and make a lasting impact—together.
Check there social media presence for more updates on the acitivities they are involved in. 5RCYCLE shares there latest activities on their Instagram handle, X and on Facebook too. You can also follow them on YouTube and see the activiites being carried at the center.
Green Tatwa Talks
In today’s episode of Green Tatwa Talks, I had the privilege of diving into the inspiring journey of 5RCYCLE Foundation. Founded by the visionary Dr. Smita Birkar, 5RCYCLE has been at the forefront of promoting zero-waste practices and transforming waste management in Mumbai. We explored how the foundation has championed the 5R philosophy—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle—to create impactful solutions for reducing landfill waste and fostering a circular economy. From diverting over 250 metric tons of waste from landfills to innovative initiatives like mangrove cleanups, recycling education for kids, and creative repurposing projects, 5RCYCLE is a shining example of how dedicated efforts can inspire sustainable change. It was truly enlightening to learn about their mission and how we can all contribute to a greener planet!

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