The Karnataka government has approved a user fee for door-to-door waste collection in Bengaluru, to be implemented from April 1, 2025. The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) will levy this fee, which will be included in property taxes. The fee structure is based on property size, with six slabs ranging from ₹10 to ₹400 per month. Bulk waste generators, such as apartment complexes, will be charged ₹12 per kilogram if they lack proper waste management systems. This initiative aims to make BSWML financially independent, reducing its reliance on the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for funding. Currently, BSWML spends ₹600 crore annually on waste management but struggles with delayed payments to contractors and workers. The revenue generated will be managed through an escrow account, ensuring timely payments. This move aligns with Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines and is expected to improve waste management efficiency in the city.

Waste clinics enhance waste management in Indian cities, focusing on lessons from municipalities in Uttar Pradesh. Waste clinics, organized by RMI and TERI, bring together waste management officials and industry experts to address challenges, share solutions, and build capacity. These clinics emphasized data collection, source segregation, and organic waste treatment to improve efficiency. Experts presented topics like waste characterization, biomining for dumpsite remediation, and financing waste management. The initiative aligns with India's Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, aiming for "Garbage Free Cities." By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, waste clinics offer scalable solutions to meet national waste management goals and address issues like pollution and methane emissions from landfills. The approach highlights the importance of tailored strategies and resource recovery to create sustainable waste management systems.

The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) plans to generate ₹600 crore annually through a new user fee for garbage collection, starting April 2025. The fee, ranging from ₹10 to ₹400 per month, is based on property size and will be added to property taxes. Bulk waste generators will pay ₹12 per kilogram if they lack proper waste management systems. Critics argue this fee burdens middle-class households already facing rising costs, while others demand transparency in fund utilization. The initiative aims to improve waste management infrastructure and services, but skepticism remains about its effectiveness and fairness. Residents question whether the additional fees will lead to tangible improvements, such as better waste segregation and recycling facilities. The move aligns with Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines but has sparked debates about equity and the efficient use of resources.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and Coca-Cola India have partnered to launch "Project Clean Destination" in Bandhavgarh National Park, focusing on solid waste management over the next three years. This initiative aligns with the Responsible Tourism Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, aiming to preserve biodiversity hotspots and promote sustainable tourism. Building on the success of a similar project in Panna National Park, the program includes establishing Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and village-level storage centers. It also creates livelihood opportunities by training "Swachh Mitras" (waste workers) for waste collection. The project emphasizes source segregation, recycling, and community participation to ensure long-term impact. Coca-Cola India's flagship campaign, "Maidaan Saaf," supports this initiative, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly practices and responsible waste management. The collaboration aims to set benchmarks for sustainable tourism while empowering local communities to adopt environmentally conscious practices.

Residents in Chennai are urging the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to address pollution caused by waste-processing facilities near residential areas. The GCC has announced the closure of 168 out of 190 micro-composting centers and 88 out of 137 material recovery facilities, but no alternatives have been proposed. Residents in areas like Perungudi and Kodungaiyur are campaigning for the relocation of waste-processing plants to less congested areas, citing public health concerns such as rising cases of skin and lung diseases. Critics argue that decentralized waste-processing near homes poses significant health risks. They demand sustainable solutions, including shifting facilities away from residential zones and improving waste management infrastructure. The GCC's decision has sparked debates about balancing effective waste management with public health and environmental safety. Residents are also calling for better planning to ensure that waste-processing does not compromise the quality of life in urban neighborhoods.

The Jaipur Declaration was unanimously adopted at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, held in Jaipur, India. This declaration emphasizes transitioning to a resource-efficient, circular economy in the region. A key highlight is the establishment of the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a global alliance for knowledge-sharing and collaboration on circular economy practices. The forum addressed various waste streams, resource efficiency, and sustainable material consumption, while also considering informal sectors, gender, and labor issues. It outlined strategies for implementation, including partnerships, technology transfer, funding mechanisms, and research. The event featured discussions on environmental conservation, sustainable resource utilization, and waste management, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality targets. India showcased its leadership in circular economy initiatives, with the declaration serving as a guiding framework for member countries to achieve sustainable development and environmental resilience.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, witnessed exceptional solid waste management, ensuring the Ganga remained as clean as tap water. Over 65 crore devotees participated in this massive event, which required meticulous planning and innovative solutions. A team of experts, including scientists from India and the U.S., assessed the event's water and sanitation management. Advanced technologies like the Hybrid Granular Sequencing Batch Reactor (HGSBR) and Geotube Technology were employed for efficient waste treatment. These methods effectively processed faecal sludge, greywater, and solid waste, maintaining environmental cleanliness. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of combining traditional practices with modern technology to manage large-scale events sustainably. The findings underscore the potential for replicating such models in other contexts to address waste management challenges while preserving natural resources.

India's circular economy has the potential to generate a $2 trillion market and create 10 million jobs by 2050. This economic model focuses on reducing waste, reusing resources, and promoting sustainability. The government is actively implementing policies to transition towards a circular economy, emphasizing resource efficiency and waste minimization. Key principles include eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials, and regenerating nature. These efforts align with India's broader goals of achieving sustainable development and carbon neutrality. By adopting circular economy practices, India aims to reduce resource dependency, enhance competitiveness, and foster economic growth while addressing environmental challenges.

The Greater Chennai Corporation has approved outsourcing waste management for five beaches: Marina, Elliot’s, Thiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, and Neelankarai. This initiative includes mechanized cleaning and waste collection, with a total budget of ₹11.63 crore. The move aims to enhance cleanliness and efficiency in waste management at these popular public spaces. The corporation is also working on establishing an integrated waste processing facility for city zones, reflecting its broader commitment to sustainable waste management practices. This decision is part of a larger strategy to address waste management challenges in Chennai, ensuring better resource allocation and improved environmental outcomes.

Recyclekaro, a leader in e-waste and lithium-ion battery recycling, has expanded its facility in Palghar, near Mumbai, increasing its recycling capacity from 7,500 tonnes to 24,000 tonnes annually. This includes boosting battery recycling from 4,200 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes per year. The facility uses advanced technology to recover critical metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel with over 95% efficiency. This expansion aligns with Recyclekaro's mission to promote sustainability and a circular economy, addressing India's growing e-waste and battery waste challenges. The company partners with major industries, including automakers and renewable energy firms, to drive environmental change.

India will present its successful waste management practices from the Mahakumbh at the 'Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific' in Jaipur. The event, starting March 3, will host 25 countries and 500 delegates. The Mahakumbh, a 45-day religious congregation in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has been praised for its cleanliness efforts, managed by 25,000 personnel across 4,000 hectares. Over 60 crore people participated, highlighting the scale of the operation. The forum will focus on "waste to wealth" and boosting the circular economy, showcasing India's commitment to sustainable practices.

India faces a significant challenge with 235 million metric tonnes of legacy waste spread across 3,000–4,000 dumpsites, covering over 14,000 acres. These sites impact nearly 5% of the country's land area, causing environmental and health issues. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Urban program has identified 2,429 such sites, but only 25% have been remediated so far. Biomining and bioremediation are emerging as key solutions for waste recovery and land reclamation. However, challenges like limited technical expertise, high costs, and local factors hinder progress. Collaboration between public and private sectors, stricter regulations, and community engagement are essential for addressing this crisis.