PLASTIC CIRCULAR CITIES

Plastic Circular Cities Project: Shaping a Circular Economy for Maharashtra

BACKGROUND

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.

MoHUA and ISC Agreement

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.

Selected Cities and Implementation Partners

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.

 

The Need for the Project

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:

  • Reducing Landfill Waste: Increasing the percentage of reusable plastics and minimizing the amount sent to landfills.
  • Mainstreaming Informal Waste Workers: Providing benefits and recognition to informal waste collectors, thereby enhancing their livelihoods.
  • Creating Sustainable Solutions: Promoting circularity in plastic waste management through community engagement and infrastructure development.

 

Expected Outcomes

The Plastic Circular Cities Project aims to achieve the following outcomes:

  • A comprehensive understanding of the waste management value chain in the six cities.
  • Identification of existing gaps and actionable recommendations to optimize the plastic waste management system.
  • Establishment of a replicable circular economy model for plastic waste management.
  • Enhanced livelihood opportunities for informal waste workers through integration into the formal waste management framework.

 

Get Involved

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