Sakshi Gedam
Pushkar Vinchurkar
Aditi Basia
Tushar Kain
Kirloskar Institute of Management
Radhika K R
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In a bustling urban landscape like Pune, where growing populations generate mounting waste, one organization has quietly revolutionized how cities deal with garbage. ProEarth ZeroWaste, founded in 2014, is an eco-conscious social enterprise that proves sustainability and social responsibility can go hand in hand. From decentralized composting to school-based environmental education, ProEarth's journey is a shining example of business as an agent of world benefit.
At the heart of ProEarth ZeroWaste's success lies its innovative approach to sustainable waste management. Their modular decentralized composting units, designed specifically for housing societies, allow residents to compost kitchen waste onsite without Odor or complex machinery. These scalable systems reduce organic waste volume by over 60%, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and returning nutrients to the soil.
Complementing this is their Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), which segregates and recycles plastic, Tetra-packs, and other dry waste into useful products such as benches and boards. Their garden waste collection service prevents open-air burning by converting green waste into mulch for soil health and carbon sequestration.
Through the use of data-tracking technologies, ProEarth optimizes collection routes and operational efficiency. This blend of grassroots engagement, innovative technology, and scalable design makes ProEarth a standout in India's zero-waste ecosystem.
Featured CSR Program: From Waste to Wisdom
Aligned with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), the "Waste to Wisdom" initiative brings sustainability into classrooms. Conducted in partnership with INORA, this school-based program teaches children the value of composting, segregation, and climate action. Students participate in live demos, hands-on recycling activities, and even try home composting with take-home kits. The initiative also builds a network of student eco-leaders, embedding sustainability deep into the next generation.
"Turning Waste into Worth: ProEarth’s Mission for a Greener Tomorrow"
The spark behind ProEarth ZeroWaste came from founder Anil Gokarn's deep concern about the unchecked waste crisis in Indian cities. Seeing the environmental toll of landfills and unsegregated garbage, he envisioned a system where waste would no longer be a problem, but a valuable resource. Nature’s circular system inspired him to mimic its regenerative design, composting what decomposes, recycling what remains, and involving people every step of the way.
As Mr. Anil Gokarn shared during our interview: "Waste is not a liability, it’s an opportunity to rebuild soil, to reduce emissions, to create jobs, and to reconnect people with the planet."
Environmental Benefits:
• Reaching 15,000 households daily, and Divert 300 tons/month from landfills
• Reduces methane emissions through composting
• Promotes a circular economy by recycling plastic and Tetra-packs
• Enriches soil and supports urban afforestation through compost and mulch
Social Benefits:
• Provides employment and dignity to underprivileged youth trained in waste collection and segregation
• Runs community education programs and workshops on sustainable living
• Empowers households to adopt responsible waste practices
Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with INORA
ProEarth's partnership with INORA (Institute of Natural Organic Regenerative Agriculture) adds a powerful layer to their impact. While ProEarth manages waste collection and composting at the community level, INORA brings scientific composting technologies and microbial inputs to ensure high-quality soil output. Together, they’ve pioneered a compost buy-back model that connects community composting with agriculture, creating a true circular loop that benefits both urban and rural ecosystems.
Beyond measurable environmental and social gains, this innovation has sparked a shift in mindset, encouraging citizens to see waste not as a problem, but as part of a regenerative solution. The trust ProEarth has built within communities has led to greater participation in sustainability efforts and long-term behavioral change. Their school programs and partnerships, such as the one with INORA, have created ripple effects educating children, empowering communities, and inspiring future leaders to carry the mission forward. This cultural transformation is as impactful as the operational success, positioning ProEarth not just as a service provider, but as a movement driving sustainable urban living.
ProEarth’s innovative approach has helped the organization establish a niche position in India’s rapidly evolving waste management sector. Their decentralized model is both cost-effective and easily scalable, making it especially appealing to housing societies and institutional clients. A strong reputation for reliability and social responsibility has enabled them to form partnerships with schools, NGOs, and local governments, along with earning multiple national and international awards. By integrating technology for operational efficiency and offering impactful educational programs, they’ve boosted customer loyalty, attracted CSR collaborations, and laid the groundwork for expansion into new urban markets. This innovation supports both purpose and profitability, positioning ProEarth as a model for sustainable business success rooted in environmental responsibility.
Recognition:
ProEarth’s consistent innovation and community-first approach has earned them:
• Finalist at Pune International Center’s National Conference for Social Innovation (NCSI) in Urban Category
• Selected for TechnoServe’s GreenR Accelerator Program
ProEarth ZeroWaste’s innovation promotes sustainable living by enabling communities to manage waste responsibly at its source. Through decentralized composting, dry waste recycling, garden waste mulching, and safe e-waste disposal, the organization significantly reduces landfill dependency, curbs greenhouse gas emissions, and fosters a circular economy. In addition to its environmental benefits, the model creates dignified employment opportunities, especially for underprivileged youth and empowers households to adopt responsible waste practices in their daily lives.
A standout social initiative under this model is the “Waste to Wisdom” program, aligned with SDGs 11, 12, and 13. In collaboration with INORA, this school-based initiative brings sustainability into classrooms through interactive, hands-on learning. Students engage in live composting demonstrations, recycling activities, and even try home composting with take-home kits. Beyond raising awareness, the program builds a strong network of student eco-leaders, embedding environmental consciousness into the next generation. By combining education, action, and inclusion, ProEarth’s innovation fosters both ecological impact and a lasting cultural shift, laying the groundwork for community-led, sustainable futures.
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Mr. Anil Gokarn, Founder and Director
ProEarth ZeroWaste is a Pune-based social enterprise operating in the waste management and environmental services industry. Established in 2014, the organization provides sustainable solutions for managing organic, dry, garden, and electronic waste through decentralized systems. By working closely with housing societies, schools, and local communities, ProEarth promotes zero-waste living, environmental awareness, and social inclusion. Their services help reduce landfill waste, lower emissions, and create dignified employment opportunities at the grassroots level.