With the increasing burden of managing the solid waste generated, it is highly imperative for governments to move towards adopting sustainable solid waste management models that will address the concerns of livelihoods connected to it, and mitigate the environmental, and health concerns associated with it. Sustainable SWM implies both environmental sustainability, (through segregation-at-source, composting/bio-gas and an emphasis on the waste hierarchy of reduce, reuse and recycle), as well as social sustainability (through effective decentralization of waste management, and inclusion of the informal work force that is engaged in waste recovery and recycling). To address these issues, CAG advocates for decentralized and sustainable waste management practices through: community based initiatives, Zero-Waste models, policy and technical support to local bodies (LBs) and educational campaigns. By fostering decentralized approaches, we seek to create resilient waste management systems that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive, contributing to the broader goals of climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
Solid Waste Management (SWM) is one of the key challenges facing India, with important environmental, public health and livelihoods implications.
CAG envisions a future where waste management transcends traditional paradigms to become a catalyst for social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. Our approach to Solid Waste Management (SWM) is rooted in the principles of a just transition, ensuring that the shift towards sustainable practices is inclusive, equitable, and participatory.
Through collaborative efforts with local governments, communities, and other stakeholders, we strive to transform waste management into a system that not only addresses environmental concerns but also uplifts marginalised communities, fosters economic opportunities, and promotes sustainable development. Our initiatives focus on community engagement, policy advocacy, and the implementation of decentralised zero-waste solutions that are environmentally sound and socially inclusive. Overall, our work through qualitative and quantitative research is aimed at filling gaps in knowledge and understanding waste, it’s management and the actors involved.
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today, impacting ecosystems, human health, and waste infrastructure. CAG takes a comprehensive approach to addressing plastic waste, one that is rooted in environmental justice, policy accountability, and public participation. We do this through engaging in policy research and advocacy to strengthen regulations such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, working with communities, colleges and schools to build awareness on environmental and health risks of plastics inluding microplastics, and contributing to global dialogues by collaborating with civil society, government and global networks, including the Global Plastics Treaty process, to ensure that international policies reflect the voices of consumers, and the needs of communities most affected by plastic pollution. By combining grassroots awareness with top-down accountability, we aim to create systems where plastic production is reduced, plastic use is minimised, producers are held responsible, and waste does not burden the environment or the vulnerable communities.