Transitioning towards a circular economy represents another milestone in India's sustainability journey. About 10-15 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated in India annually, of which more than 45 percent is leaked into the environment, and only 13 percent gets recycled
Earth Day earlier this week was a poignant reminder, it's a poignant reminder that addressing environmental degradation demands unified global action. While numerous factors contribute to the deterioration of soil health and the preservation of biodiversity and water bodies, plastic pollution has emerged as a distinct and prominent concern. It has surged to unprecedented levels globally, with the consumption of plastic quadrupling in recent decades. Projections from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggest that global plastic waste may nearly triple by 2060, painting a grim picture for the planet's future.
In India, a nation grappling with its own plastic waste crisis, an estimated 9.4 million metric tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, with a mere 50 percent collected and processed. The remainder often finds its way into landfills, water bodies, or incinerators, contributing to ecological degradation, endangering the health of informal workers, and exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions.
The country, however, is rising to meet these daunting challenges head-on. From decentralised waste processing units by empowering local communities to harness the power of public-private partnerships, the country is redefining the sustainability landscape with a diverse array of best practices that herald a shift towards planet-positive growth. By embedding circularity and environmental stewardship into the core of its business models, India's start-ups and scale-ups are seizing the opportunity to create a competitive advantage and build long-term resilience.
Decentralised waste processing and technology empower communities
India's leadership in decentralised waste processing has empowered communities to take charge of their own waste management. Small-scale composting facilities and neighbourhood recycling hubs have sprung up across the nation, placing waste management within arm’s reach of the people and fostering active community participation in the process.
Furthermore, technology has emerged as a pivotal tool in revolutionising waste management practices. Data-driven approaches have enabled authorities and waste management entities to gain invaluable insights into waste patterns, thereby optimising collection and recycling efforts. Whether through GPS-enabled waste collection trucks or user-friendly mobile apps facilitating citizen reporting of illegal dumping, innovative technologies are reshaping the landscape of waste management in India.
Partnerships for progress
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a cornerstone in India's battle against plastic pollution, exemplifying synergy among diverse stakeholders. Collaborations between government agencies, NGOs, and private sector entities catalyse the scaling up of waste management infrastructure, enhancing service delivery and fostering sustainability.
For example, one of the most ambitious cleanliness campaigns, India's Swachh Bharat Mission, epitomises the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in waste management. Under this mission, partnerships between the government, NGOs, and private companies helped implement various waste management programmes, including waste collection, segregation, recycling, and awareness campaigns. Private companies have sponsored sanitation infrastructure, provided technological solutions for waste management, and collaborated with NGOs to mobilise community participation.
For instance, one of the largest community-driven beach clean-ups took place in Girgaum Chowpatty, South Mumbai, reflecting an impactful public-private partnership that brought together Hindustan Unilever, Xynteo, SBI Foundation, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), and Dalmia Polypro Industries. The goal was to inspire local residents to take direct action to tackle plastic pollution and contribute to the creation of zero-waste communities. This initiative was part of the project “Waste No More,” where over 110 volunteers from schools, colleges, clubs, and corporate entities came together for the mega beach clean-up drive. In just 2 hours, they were able to collect a remarkable 800 kg of waste.
Circular economy initiatives
Transitioning towards a circular economy represents another milestone in India's sustainability journey. About 10-15 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated in India annually, of which more than 45 percent is leaked into the environment and only 13 percent gets recycled. The current waste system rests at the back of a weak and informal waste management system, a highly fragmented value chain, and poor source segregation rates and community participation.
Despite a rapidly maturing plastic recycling ecosystem - progressive policies and government regulations like Swachh Bharat, Mission LiFE, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, challenges persist, including insufficient and low-quality waste feedstock for recycling, leakage due to inadequate collection channels, and a lack of flexible financing models for enterprises handling last-mile waste collection, processing, and recycling. Xynteo, in partnership with Hindustan Unilever and the SBI Foundation, has developed an end-to-end financially viable model to drive system change across the waste system.
The Islands of Excellencemodel is a public-private-partnership between urban local bodies (ULBs), SMEs, recyclers, social enterprises, and grassroots, and it focuses on strengthening waste infrastructure through financially viable Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), driving behaviour change and nudging citizen action to improve waste segregation at source, and empowering the informal workforce of safai saathis.
Community engagement is the key to behaviour change
At the heart of these endeavours lies the imperative of community engagement. Grassroots campaigns across India have motivated citizens, fostering awareness and driving sustainable behaviour change at the local level. Initiatives like the “Swachh Survekshan” (Clean India Survey) have catalysed public participation in waste segregation and disposal, underscoring the pivotal role of communities in achieving lasting change.
The Waste to Wealth Mission, launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, aims to leverage global technology to tackle waste disposal, air pollution, and water contamination, creating socio-economic benefits for 1.3 billion Indians.
Alternatively, in response to hazardous chemical incidents, many states have set up crisis management groups at the central, state, district, and local levels. These groups play a pivotal role in ensuring chemical safety and emergency preparedness.
Inclusive and sustainable solutions
In embracing inclusive and sustainable solutions, India transcends environmental imperatives to champion social equity and economic development. By prioritising marginalised communities and informal waste pickers, India's endeavours resonate with a commitment to leaving no one behind.
Around 2021, the World Bank supported several impactful waste management initiatives across India. In Ahmedabad, the bank collaborated with residential welfare associations (RWAs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to establish an effective door-to-door waste collection system. This community-based approach demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of involving local stakeholders in improving waste collection practices.
Similarly, World Bank-backed initiatives continued in the city of Hyderabad, primarily focusing on enhancing street sweeping and cleanliness. By addressing the challenge of maintaining clean public spaces, these efforts have contributed to creating a more sanitary and well-kept urban environment for the city's residents.
Policy innovation and regulatory frameworks
Bolstering these collaborative endeavours are innovative policies and regulatory frameworks, underpinning India's journey towards a cleaner, greener future. From bans on single-use plastics to financial incentives for recycling, India's multifaceted approach reflects a nuanced understanding of waste management complexities.
The journey ahead is not without its challenges, but the initiatives showcase the power of collaborative solutions. As we look to the future, we must continue to encourage innovative partnerships, empower communities, and drive policy change to ensure a cleaner, greener planet for generations to come. On this Earth Day, let's come together, turn the tide on plastic pollution, ensure inclusive growth, and build a more sustainable world for generations to come.
(Vipul Kumar is a senior partner at Xynteo.)