The India Sanitation Coalition (ISC) at FICCI has launched the Plastic Circular Cities Project in Maharashtra, an ambitious initiative spanning the next five years. The project aims to provide sustainable and inclusive waste management solutions with a specific focus on plastic waste and achieving zero landfill. Given the growing climate crisis, this initiative addresses the solid waste management challenges in Maharashtra's urban areas, particularly in cities with populations exceeding one million. It strives to create a replicable model for other states and cities across India, promoting effective plastic waste management and improving the livelihoods of informal waste workers.
In December 2023, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and ISC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance plastic waste circularity in India. The agreement is a key step toward demonstrating effective plastic waste management solutions across Maharashtra. The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the ISC overseeing project supervision, collaborating with the government, and providing managerial and technical support. The initiative will also engage implementing agencies and corporate partners to drive project success.
Six cities in Maharashtra have been selected for this initiative based on their population size, existing waste management infrastructure, and willingness to adopt a circular approach to plastic waste management. The cities include:
Mira-Bhayande | Population: ~1.2 million | Recity |
Vasai-Virar | Population: ~2.0 million | |
Pimpri Chinchwad | Population | Feedback foundation |
Chh. Sambhaji Nagar | 1.6 Million | |
Nagpur | 3 Million | Sampurn(e)arth |
Nashik | 2.1 Million |
These cities were chosen because Maharashtra is the largest municipal solid waste generator in India, producing around 292,987 tons of plastic waste annually. With increasing plastic waste generation, projected to double by 2024, there is an urgent need to close the processing gap and maximize the reuse of plastic materials.
Plastic waste management remains a significant challenge in Maharashtra. Despite efforts, a substantial proportion of plastic waste ends up in landfills or is burnt, contributing to environmental pollution. Additionally, the informal sector, which plays a crucial role in waste collection and recycling, often lacks formal recognition and government support. The Plastic Circular Cities Project addresses these challenges by:
The Plastic Circular Cities Project aims to achieve the following outcomes:
Join us in creating a sustainable, circular economy for Maharashtra. Together, we can transform plastic waste into a resource, enhance livelihoods, and protect the environment. For more information, please contact us at neomi.ghadiali@isc.ficci.com