We look at solid waste management with a 360 degree view. From policy, advocacy to citizen campaigns. From creating models for various waste stream challenges to conducting action research on a range of issues. Sharing below are the 5 core areas of our work, but there is lot more that we do beyond this.
What We Do
Facilitation
Creating Models and Tools for problem solving
This is at the core of the interventions that we do. The Solid Waste Management problems are first
identified, deconstructed and then reconstructed again, integrating the requirements of Waste Hierarchy, Economic and Business considerations, Livelihood and Occupational objectives. This is done on an ongoing iterative way, thus refining the Models as learnings improve and eco systems become more robust.
Facilitating for demonstration
SWMRT facilitates pilots for adoption and implementation of its Models and Tools, either Proprietary or Collaborative. This is done through stakeholder engagement, working with solution and service providers and with the local officials and citizen groups.
Proprietary refers to that which is owned, managed and promoted in house. Collaborative refers to that which is curated and / or owned by others, managed and/ or promoted by SWMRT.
Learn more about our models -
Advocacy
We are working, since 2009, towards a road map for decentralized waste management and aim to make "Zero-waste" a national policy.
Focus areas
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We have advocated for sustainable solid waste management (SWM) at all levels of policy making, be it at the local, city, state, national level, focusing on implementing the following structural changes:
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Mandating segregation at source
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Mandating waste stream, destination-based collection and transportation
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Promoting inclusion of informal sector in recycling
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Promoting waste to compost/gas/recycling and not incineration
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Promoting maximizing of localized processing and zero to landfill
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Phasing out non-recyclable products & packaging and promoting a circular economy
Influencing Policy
Ongoing legal advocacy, in the early days through Lok Adalat and subsequently through the High Court of Karnataka has been an important game changer in influencing policy.
We have worked closely with the BBMP, the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) of Karnataka and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to initiate a number of changes in the approach of the Municipality towards solid waste - moving the city from waste ‘Disposal’ to ‘Management’ through adoption of sustainable practices.
This has also resulted in influencing the National Policy, in particular the 'SWM Rules 2016' , the State Policy on SWM and the SWM Bye-laws for the Bangalore ULB (BBMP).
Campaigns
Offline and Online Sessions
The passion of the members is evident through their active engagement in outreach sessions through countless demonstrations, workshops, training and awareness sessions in resident welfare associations, schools, colleges, temples, government institutions, police/ defense quarters, corporates. There is active collaboration with civil society organizations, volunteer networks and organization like rotary and other clubs.
The robust social media engagement has also created a strong following with some members even achieving iconic status. This has helped in bringing a better understanding and voluntary social behavior change in both personal lifestyles and organizational arrangements in sustainable and responsible waste management.
Campaigns
We also create campaigns on various themes and that forms the framework for most of our outreach activities. We strongly believe EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGNS lead to social change.
Research
Research backed by experience and understanding
A strong ability to do analysis, writing and presentation through action and desk research has been instrumental in bringing about change through deep understanding. Research covers a broad spectrum of information, including reports, studies and documentation.
Research methods have been varied, sometimes using the conventional approaches of survey for data collection and analysis or through study tours or even through direct hands on data collection by mobilizing community engagement. The research outcomes have helped in validating and improving the best practices and strengthening the policy advocacy work.
Open and informative
The key philosophy in SWMRT is that the information created is open source and available to all for guiding, understanding or application. Almost all the research reports have been made available in the public domain.
Report on Waste Pickers Inclusion
Report on Waste Pickers Inclusion
Report on Waste Pickers Inclusion
Waste & Brand
Audit
Training
Training for all stakeholders
We have seen evidence that training key stakeholders is important for adoption and implementation of solid waste management principles. While the general public needs just awareness and information, municipal staff and administration need more in-depth training. Training ensures that municipal officers are made conversant with the SWM Rules, regulatory requirements and the technical requirements.
Master training programs using a Training of Trainer (TOT) approach also enables creating a cadre of engaged citizens to bring about change in their ward through constructive engagement.
Bringing experience and expertise to training
Our training covers theory, practice, field study from a very experienced group of practitioners that not just share the knowledge but motivate and inspire the participants to be the agents of change.
Training includes not just classroom sessions, but also experiential learning and field observations.
Participants include - Citizen Volunteers, Municipality Officials, Corporate Staff and Students
