Problem

In India, inadequate waste management systems struggle with low plastic recycling rates and insufficient support for waste workers, leading to high levels of plastic pollution that harm the environment and contribute to climate change. Households often lack proper waste segregation habits, while waste workers and small businesses face limited resources and opportunities for growth. Plastic waste pollutes communities and ecosystems and requires better management solutions to reduce its climate impact effectively. In cities where waste management systems are underdeveloped, integrating all stakeholders into a cohesive approach is critical to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of plastic waste management.

Responses

FINILOOP, an initiative by WASTE, is a plastic waste management program active since 2022 in three Indian cities (Udaipur, Amritsar, and Jaipur). It aims, to boost plastic recycling, improve waste workers livelihoods, and engage households in waste sorting. With support from 48 start-ups, business mentorship, and community campaigns reaching 95,000 households, FINILOOP connects key stakeholders—from households to local government—to optimise city waste systems. Collaboration with partners, such as Trust of People and Aspirlabs, has also demonstrated the model’s potential to scale across other regions. So far, 1,456 tonnes of plastic waste have reportedly been collected and 598 tonnes recycled. Beyond environmental benefits, FINILOOP brings significant benefits for local communities and informal waste workers through capacity building on financial literacy and savings habits, which led to more stable incomes and improved livelihoods. Community engagement initiatives such as door-to-door campaigns and education programmes in schools on the plastic collection system have heightened awareness about plastic waste management and encouraged local communities to actively participate in waste segregation and reduction.

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