Knowledge and Action

Research

2014

This study established that the Economic Contribution of the 15,000 waste pickers saved the BBMP, INR 84 crores per year

2017

The study looked at the system of DWCC and aggregation centres and proposed changes to Agreement between BBMP and the DWCC operators.

2018

The paper examines the flow of plastic waste through the informal recycling networks of Bengaluru.

2019

This report examines the realities and challenges of SWM implementation and the present-day status of waste pickers in India.

2019

This paper focusses on global waste management strategies to curtail leakage of plastics into the planet’s waterways.

2021

This study looked at the challenges created by the crisis of cloth waste generated in Bangalore and offers recommendations to tackle it.

2023

This study examines the impact of demonetisation on the recycling sector in Bangalore and documents their efforts to cope with the crisis.

2023

The study analysed the contribution of the DWCCs in Jayanagar, Bengaluru in saving greenhouse gas emissions of 1,763 tonnes Co2 equivalent per year.

2023

Examining the different enablers of Just Transition demanded by waste pickers of Karnataka for INC-2 at Paris, France and INC-3 at Nairobi, Kenya.
Policy

A Seat at the table

Our work has resulted in the inclusion of Children of waste pickers to be eligible for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of those engaged in occupations involving cleaning and prone to health hazards.

Waste Pickers are defined and included as stakeholders in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 as set out by the MoEFC, GoI and as a category in the Swachh Survekshan for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan 2.0.

Our work with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike and citizens has ensured that Dry Waste Collection Centres and the integration of waste pickers are part of the Solid Waste Management Bye-Laws of Bengaluru and the larger Karnataka Directorate of Municipal Administration.

Waste pickers have spoken for their rights and inclusion at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCC) COP 21 – Paris, the UN Conference to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP14 – Delhi, and the United Nations (UN) Habitat III Prepcom at Surabaya, Indonesia. Supported by Hasiru Dala and as delegates for the International Alliance of Waste Pickers, waste pickers from India represent Asia at the International Negotiating Committees for a international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment in Punta del Este, Paris, and Nairobi.

Our calls for inclusion – in social security, urban housing, environmental justice, plastic and other regulation instruments, gender equity, for a “Just Transition” – are all part of a broader movement to support the informal waste working economy across the globe.

English