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One Dubai-Based Indian and Three from India Win Global Recycling Foundation’s 2025 Recycling Heroes Award. The Global Recycling Foundation (GRF) has announced the winners of its 2025 Recycling Heroes competition. This year, four changemakers of Indian origin stood out. One lives in Dubai. The other three are based in different parts of India.
What Is the Recycling Heroes Competition?
Each year, GRF invites global participants to share 60–90 second videos. These videos must highlight creative recycling ideas, sustainability efforts, or community education. The goal is simple — to promote recycling and protect the planet.
Entries are judged on clarity, creativity, and impact. This year’s winners each receive a $500 prize. Their videos will also be featured on GRF’s global platforms for the next year.
Dubai-Based Rishabh Mittal Leads Youth in E-Waste Recycling
From Dubai, student Rishabh Mittal has made a strong impact. He founded Going Green Dubai, a youth-led non-profit. The group promotes recycling of e-waste, plastic bottles, and paper.
So far, they have collected:
- 1. 4,208 kg of electronic waste
- 2. 12,805 plastic bottles
- 3. 687 kg of paper
Their mission is clear. They want young people to step up and take action for the planet. And they’re already doing it.
Ittisha Sarah Creates Circular Waste System in Assam
In Assam, India, Ittisha Sarah leads two major efforts. She founded the Northeast Waste Collective and directs the Azure Lotus Foundation. Her project in Sangti Valley focuses on full waste segregation.
Here’s how it works:
- 1. Wet waste is composted or used as animal feed.
- 2. Dry waste is sent to local recycling companies.
- 3. The profits fund community development.
This model supports both the environment and the local economy. Even India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, praised her work on Mann Ki Baat in November 2024.
Project Kaagaz Recycles Paper in Punjab Schools
Learning Paths School in Mohali, Punjab, runs Project Kaagaz. It’s a school-based program to promote paper recycling. Students collect old paper. They turn it into handmade bookmarks for school use.
This simple act teaches students a big lesson — small actions can help the Earth. Their video clearly showed how education and sustainability go hand in hand.
Koru Foundation Builds Community Recycling Stations
The Koru Foundation, also based in India, won for its Recycle Station initiative. They set up local waste segregation systems in underserved areas. These stations help residents sort and recycle more easily.
They also run awareness programs. These efforts inspire people to change habits and protect the environment. Koru’s work proves that even small communities can lead big change.
A Global Message on Global Recycling Day
Marking Global Recycling Day, GRF President Ranjit Baxi said:
“Recycling saves over a billion tons of carbon emissions every year. It’s time to create unified carbon credit systems and highlight recycling at COP30 in Brazil.”
He also warned against regional barriers. “We must support global trade and treat recycling as a shared mission,” he added.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Recycling Heroes show that change starts at the grassroots. Students, community leaders, and educators are making a difference. Their work not only saves resources but also inspires others.
Together, they prove one powerful message: every small action counts in building a cleaner, greener future.
