Bodhi

Waste Characterisation and Quantification for Mumbai

THE PURPOSE

The project aimed to generate a robust, evidence-based understanding of Mumbai’s municipal solid waste system. It sought to inform data-driven planning, identify inefficiencies, and strengthen waste diversion and processing strategies across the city.

CLIENT

C40 Cities

Stakeholder
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)

OUR APPROACH

Comprehensive waste quantification, composition analysis, and mass-flow mapping were conducted across two seasons. Over 2,500 MT of waste was sampled and manually segregated across all 24 wards, supported by dataset reviews and Sankey-based flow analysis covering RTSs, Kanjur, and Deonar.

THE RESULT

The study produced detailed ward-level and seasonal insights, revealing key inefficiencies and recovery potential. Findings were submitted in English and Marathi, providing BMC with a strong decision-making foundation to enhance infrastructure, policy alignment, and sustainable waste planning.

Alok Gogate

Chakra Mandal – Knowledge Bank for Waste Management

THE PURPOSE

Chakra Mandal was created to bridge critical knowledge gaps in India’s waste-management ecosystem by making credible, practical information widely accessible. The initiative aims to simplify complex waste systems and empower individuals and institutions to make informed, environmentally responsible decisions.

CLIENT

Client
– – – –

Stakeholder
– – – –

OUR APPROACH

The platform functions as a dynamic digital knowledge bank curating actionable insights, field learnings, tools, policy explainers, and real-world case stories. Content is designed to be accessible to both citizens and practitioners, translating technical concepts into practical guidance.

THE RESULT

Chakra Mandal has emerged as a trusted learning hub, empowering over 20,000 individuals with practical waste-management knowledge. It has strengthened environmental awareness, influenced everyday decision-making, and supported the adoption of sustainable and circular practices.

Alok Gogate

Engagement for research project to understand impact of trash boom and quantity of waste flowing into sea at Gazdharbandh

INTENT

Research was conducted for understanding the impact of the flood gates and trash-boom as mitigation measure to reduce waste flowing into the sea

CLIENT

A.T.E. HUBER Envirotech Private Limited

WHAT DID WE DO?

Updated on website

OUTCOME

This initiative supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by promoting awareness in preventing water contamination, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting improved urban waste management, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by identifying strategies to reduce waste at the source. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by addressing waste-driven emissions and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration for sustainable waste solutions.

Alok Gogate

Engagement for Research Project for developing understanding of the current status and developing suggestions for integration of waste pickers in waste Management systems

INTENT

Kushaagra conducted research across 106 urban local bodies (ULBs) in Maharashtra to assess the current state of waste picker integration. This involved mapping the socio-economic conditions, working models, and challenges faced by waste pickers under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). The findings were used to design financially sustainable business models to foster integration and circularity in waste management

CLIENT

Research Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES)

WHAT DID WE DO?

Updated on website

OUTCOME

This initiative supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering economic empowerment for waste pickers, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by enhancing urban waste systems, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by strengthening circular economy practices. Additionally, it aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing landfill waste and emissions and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration for inclusive waste management.

Alok Gogate

Integration of Waste Pickers with ULBs

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Conducting a research project, to understand and explore the business model for integration of waste pickers /SHGs in waste management services for B and C class ULBs. A total of 106 B and C class ULBs from Pune, Nashik and Kokan Division were reviewed for mapping the status of waste picker integration under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) and Swach Bharat Mission (SBM).

The study focuses on defining parameters responsible for facilitating or hampering the effective integration of wastepickers and SHGs in waste management activities. In depth study for understanding the status of waste management, socio-economic condition and functioning of waste pickers and SHGs was done in 9 ULBs. The intent is to develop a matrix of waste picker integration options for ULBs to work towards implementation of circularity.

CLIENT

Project funded by Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) with Research Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES), Mumbai.

WHAT DID WE DO?

As a outcome of the research, suggestions and recommendations were given to ULBs for undertaking the compliances under NULM and SBM developed financially sustainable modules for integrating waste pickers and self-help group to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for SHGs and waste pickers and improve the waste management scenarios for B and C class urban local bodies in Maharashtra.

Alok Gogate

Screen Impact Research Project

PROBLEM

The Gazdharbandh pumping station has 2 Trash Booms and 6 Mechanized Screens which collect solid waste from the canal. The nature and volume of this solid waste, along with the sources and reasons for its generation, needed to be understood. Additionally, the environmental impact created by the installation of trash booms and mechanized screens needed to be assessed, particularly in terms of their role in preventing ocean pollution.

CLIENT

A.T.E. HUBER Envirotech Private Limited

WHAT WE DO?

We conducted a comprehensive research study to analyze the solid waste entering the canal. This was done by auditing the solid waste collected at the trash booms and mechanized screen at the Gazdharbandh pumping station. Actual waste characterization has been conducted at the site along with the survey of around 5km on the upstream of the canal to understand waste management scenario.

OUTCOME

Alok Gogate

Field Research In 106 ULBs

INTENT

To conduct field research across 106 urban local bodies in Nashik, Pune, and Kokan division to understand the factual scenario for implementation of proposed integration of National Urban Livelihood Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission. The study concluded with designing business models for integrating waste pickers and SHGs for improving waste management scenarios with cost effective and efficient systems.

CLIENT

Research Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES, Mumbai) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Delhi.

WHAT DID WE DO?

We embarked on a field research journey across these urban local bodies to understand the current landscape for integration of waste pickers and SHGs. Detailed study was conducted to define parameters necessary to create models targeting integration.

OUTCOME

As a result of our study, we successfully identified 12 entrepreneurial business models along with financial and governance structures. These models are designed to empower waste pickers and self-help groups, fostering sustainable waste management activities in these urban local bodies. This approach underscores our commitment to impact-driven entrepreneurship development, promoting sustainability and inclusivity.