NAGAR, in partnership with the Indian Centre for Plastics in the Environment (ICPE) and the MCGM, launched a pioneering solid waste segregation pilot in Cuffe Parade, supported by Stree Mukti Sanghatana and the Cuffe Parade Residents’ Association. Initiated on 18 April 2001, the project began with 52 buildings over three months and developed a replicable model for the collection, storage, and recycling of dry waste, while ensuring that rag pickers remained integral to the system.
As participation expanded, the project demonstrated significant environmental and social gains: over 10,000 kg of dry waste was recycled monthly, substantial revenue was generated from recovered materials, and sustainable livelihoods were created for rag pickers through safer, more dignified working conditions. The success of this initiative highlighted how community participation, efficient segregation, and inclusive waste systems can collectively strengthen urban solid waste management.
