At just 17 years old, Rishabh Mittal has already made a significant impact on environmental sustainability through his initiative, Going Green Dubai. Founded when he was only 13, this youth-led project aims to inspire community members to recycle and reduce their environmental footprint, with a particular focus on electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste, which includes discarded electronic devices, is one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams globally, according to the World Health Organisation. Mittal’s journey began with a simple school project on recycling, where he started by collecting plastic bottles in his residential building. However, his passion for technology soon led him to tackle the more complex issue of e-waste, which is notoriously difficult to decompose and often releases harmful toxins into the environment. To amplify his efforts, Mittal partnered with EnviroServe, the region’s largest e-waste processing facility. Together, they have organized school campaigns and set up e-waste bins to safely dispose of unused electronics. The facility recycles everything from mobile phones and laptops to larger appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, breaking them down into raw materials such as copper, aluminium, and steel. Since its inception, Going Green Dubai has collected and recycled 7,109kg of e-waste, 19,960 bottles, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 8,951kg. Mittal’s dedication has earned him recognition as a KT+150 achiever, a list that highlights young changemakers making significant impacts across various industries. His story is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives in driving meaningful environmental change.
