Who We Are
We are a not for profit organization of SWM practitioners registered under the Trust Act of Govt. of Karnataka (Regn No BK-IV-167/2018-19)
Our Vision
To ensure the enactment of the circular economy principles in the area of solid waste management, which is sustainable and inclusive as per the waste hierarchy, with the integration of waste pickers.
Our Mission
To improve public policy, facilitate models and create awareness among citizens on sustainable waste management practices
SWMRT embodies the spirit of voluntary engagement and participation driven through passion and commitment of its members. Its members have been able to motivate and infuse the same values in communities and networks that they engage with good outcomes.
Our Journey
2009 - 2018
SWMRT 1.0
Worked as a citizen initiative with the support of The Anonymous Indian Charitable Trust (www.taict.org)
2018 Onwards
SWMRT 2.0
Formed a Trust of SWM Practitioners with pan India connect
SWMRT has, through campaigning, lobbying, and action over the last decade, brought about a paradigm shift in National and State Public policy and in social behavior to shift to waste management from waste dumping.
In particular this has resulted in Bangalore being the home of pioneering work and innovation in the area of solid waste management.
This is a significant achievement and has been possible because of the continued high-level engagement at an advocacy level, led by SWMRT with the BBMP and KSPCB individually and through participation in the Lok Adalat and the High Court.
SWMRT, at the grass root level, has been facilitating community initiatives, citizen campaigns and ward level micro planning which have been met with resounding success through instant community participation and adoption.
Stakeholders we engage with
Since 2009, we have -
Been extensively engaged with the government and with ULBs (Urban Local Bodies) in Karnataka and Telangana.
Actively collaborated with RWAs and numerous other communities across Bangalore and other small towns and cities.
Engaged with solution and service providers in the areas of recycling, waste-picking, and organic waste management.
Been invited by and collaborated with prominent academic and research institutions.
Had our work covered extensively, by local, international media, radio, TV and have an active presence across various social media platforms.
Committed and passionate individuals which has led to a vibrant and engaged cadre of SWM practitioners ,who lead the way for local engagement and problem solving.
Our Awards
The group has been recognized for its work, as have several of our team members. Accolades that we have received -
Karnataka Raja Parisara Award supported by the UN Environment Program in 2014/15
Rotary NGO Award for Excellence as Social Change Maker in 2013/14
Namma Bengaluru Award for best Community Based group in 2011
Trashonomics won 1st prize of the International Solid Waste Association YPG Waste Education Award in 2018
3 of our members received the prestigious Kempegowda award
2 of our members have received the Namma Bengaluru Awards as the 'Namma Bengalurean of the year '