Bangalore-based NGO 'Saahas' has a prescription for turning solid waste into wealth. Its chief Wilma Rodriques would like to showcase the project 'Saahas' has taken up for the State Bank of India (SBI) for disposal of solid waste generated at SBI's Mark's Road complex in Bangalore. Apart from dry garbage the four office canteens on the premises generate over 10kg organic waste daily.

They have constructed large tanks into which the wet waste from the canteens is dumped. After filling them up the tanks are covered with large trays of charcoal that absorb the odour. The base of the tanks are attached to a blower, which blows air into the mass of waste for faster decomposition. SBI has hired four women for collection of organic and solid waste and their segregation. Dry waste is sold as junk once a week and the rest, turned into compost.

Office complex, institutional campus, hotel or a residential complex planning on scientific waste management can contact 'Saahas' at SA2-31, Vijaya Enclave, Vijaya Bank Layout, BiIlekahalli. Phone - 080-26639857; 98801-24921; website - www.saahas.org.