In Bengaluru, the “Wash the Dabba” campaign, spearheaded by Saamuhika Shakti, encourages residents to rinse food delivery containers before disposing of them. The initiative aims to enhance the working conditions for informal waste pickers, who often face health risks from unsanitized containers filled with leftover food. Many of these workers lack proper protective gear, making their jobs hazardous.
The campaign gained traction following a viral video that highlighted the importance of this simple practice. By cleaning food containers, the campaign emphasizes the benefits of improved hygiene, increased recyclability, and safer environments for those involved in waste management. Supported by local organizations like Hasiru Dala, it seeks to raise awareness about proper waste disposal and the essential role that waste pickers play in urban waste management.
Additionally, there are calls for food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy to include reminders for customers to wash their containers in their packaging. This could help turn a simple action into a widespread habit
