Union Bank Trusts ECS for Certified and Responsible E-Waste Disposal Across Gujarat

With everything set in a digital world and banking and the likes of Union Bank of India having to face the issue of disposing off obsolete IT assets responsibly, the other requirements had emerged: Incumbent desktops and AIO systems had to be disposed off in a manner that was effective and compliant with laws through hundreds of branches across Gujarat. The objective was not just disposal, but responsible E-Waste Asset Management that aligned with environmental and regulatory norms.

UBI’s Gujarat Region initiated this project to streamline its Electronic Waste Management practices, ensure proper data handling, and contribute to a sustainable future through eco-friendly E-Waste Disposal Services.

Union Bank of India required a certified e-waste management partner to carry out the safe and systematic collection, segregation, and disposal of electronic waste from its network of branches across Gujarat. The scope of work included:

• Branch-wise collection of e-waste materials such as desktops, AIOs, keyboards, mice, power cables, and VGA cables.
• Physical verification and segregation of refurbishable and non-working assets.
• Transportation and handling of IT assets with safety and compliance.
• Final disposal of non-working items through Certified E-Waste Management and recycling partners as per CPCB norms.
• Timely and accurate reporting with photo documentation and inventory logs.
• Execution of Data Destruction Services, where required, to ensure no sensitive data could be recovered from storage devices.

The ultimate goal was to implement a secure and efficient Sustainable E-Waste Management strategy while reducing environmental impact and achieving full compliance.

Despite clear planning and client support, several real-world challenges affected the project execution:

• Branch Non-Compliance: Some branches failed to hand over materials as scheduled, disrupting the collection timeline.
• Lack of Central Coordination: There was no single point of contact from UBI coordinating branch responses, leading to inconsistent communication and delays.
• Remote Locations: Several branches were located in remote or interior areas, leading to logistical delays and extended travel times.
• Incomplete Sets: In some cases, items like keyboards, mice, or cables were missing, causing reconciliation issues.
• Remote Locations: Some branches were based in interior or remote places, thereby leading to delays in the movement and longer travel hours.
• Incomplete Sets: Sometimes, keyboards, mice, or cables were missing, leading to reconciliation issues.
• Improper Storage: Not all e-waste items were properly stored, thereby making onsite verification and pickup time-consuming.

To overcome these challenges and meet client expectations, a structured and scalable approach was implemented:

• Strategic Planning & Scheduling: A detailed route map and collection calendar were developed based on branch locations and material volumes to optimize travel and vehicle usage.
• Pre-Visit Communication: Advance communication with each branch was carried out via email and phone. Follow-ups were done a day before the visit to ensure readiness and avoid no-shows.
• Trained Manpower & Safety Protocols: Field teams were deployed with proper tools, PPE kits, and collection protocols to handle and transport IT assets safely and professionally.
• On-Site Verification & Documentation: Every item was physically inspected and segregated into refurbishable or non-working categories. Branch officials signed off on the collected inventory.
• Eco-Friendly Processing: Refurbishable systems were sent to the technical refurbishing center, extending their life cycle. Non-working e-waste was routed to a certified dismantling facility in line with Electronic Waste Management and CPCB compliance.
• Real-Time Reporting: Daily updates, along with photographic evidence and inventory sheets, were shared with UBI’s ZOCC in Gandhinagar. A final project report was delivered post-completion for audit and compliance.

Despite the challenges, the project achieved substantial success and impact

• Over 90% of targeted branches were serviced, and their e-waste was collected and processed responsibly.
• Refurbishable devices were successfully rechannelled into the reuse cycle, reducing the need for new purchases.
• All non-working e-waste was dismantled and processed at an authorized facility, ensuring complete regulatory compliance.
• Secure Data Destruction Services were provided for storage devices, protecting the bank’s sensitive information.
• The project significantly reduced UBI’s e-waste footprint, contributing to their sustainability and ESG objectives through Sustainable E-Waste Management.
• Final reports provided transparency, traceability, and accountability—vital for future audits and environmental disclosures.

The Union Bank of India – Gujarat Region E-Waste Collection Project is a strong example of how financial institutions can lead in E-Waste Asset Management and environmental responsibility. A series of functions organized through a Certified Service Provider to enable the bank to demonstrate in practice operational integration of management of E-wastes, Data Destruction Services, and E-Waste Recycling Solutions.

Besides duly satisfying the compliance requirement with their approach, the project also gave UBI the image of being an environmentally politicized, forward-thinking bank. It serves as a model for other institutions looking to adopt Certified E-Waste Management as part of their long-term sustainability strategies.