Solid Waste Management - WASH Institute

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Segregating waste at source is a critical behaviour that will transform how we manage waste – and the limited resources available to us.

By 2028 we aim to improve solid waste management services for 1 million people through better source segregation and reduced littering.

THE CHALLENGE

Local governments continue to burn or dump waste due to poor source segregation, undermining the millions of rupees spent under SBM for clearing dump sites.

Lack of awareness and ineffective door-to-door collection systems lead to littering and garbage dumping spots.

Limited processing capacities and lack of market linkages for recovered resources (compost, recyclable dry wastes) causes frequent breakdown of existing systems.

Challenge illustration

OUR APPROACH

We help cities adopt data driven approach to understand the risks, identify gaps, engage communities, and take action for clean toilets, safe wastewater management, and reuse of treated wastewater.

Focused programs to improve segregation behaviour, reduce littering, and user fees payment

Training sanitation workers for segregation messaging to households and stakeholder (businesses, religious institutions, schools/colleges, maids, autos/taxis etc.,) specific awareness programs for all

Support implementation of effective door-to-door waste collection mechanisms

Through scientific planning of collection system, separate collection for varied waste generator types, and bulk/event/emergency waste generator programs

Handhold local governments in implementing waste processing infrastructure

Design of compost plants, MRFs - and business models (optimum collection, user fee, forward linkages for recyclables) for effective waste management

OUR IMPACT

Our programs impact change at an ecosystem level - from grassroots to policy making.

6.5 lakh families

Coached to adopt improved segregation behaviour and avoid littering

12 districts

Supported with design and implementation of solid waste processing facilities

Bihar state

was provided with a monitoring dashboard for solid waste services delivery

RESOURCES

Explore research, publications, and tools related to this program.

fecal sludge management
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Research Paper

Fecal Sludge Management

A Landscape Study of Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities in Fecal Sludge Management

National
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Other

Swachhata Mitra Application

A digital concurrent monitoring application deployed under the Bihar Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan for Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) Phase-II. This tool enables real-time tracking, data collection, and supervision of Solid Waste Management activities, ensuring accountability, transparency, and efficient project management across implementing areas.

Bihar
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Other

Swachhata Jagrukta Rath (LED Van)

A high-impact, mobile mass awareness campaign utilizing professionally branded LED vans. These "Awareness Chariots" traverse communities to broadcast audiovisual messages, serving as a dynamic and engaging medium to disseminate key information on sanitation and waste management to a wide audience.

Bihar
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