Transforming waste into resources for the Indian economy

India faces the daunting challenge of rapidly increasing municipal, industrial and agricultural waste generation due to several factors-population increase, urbanization, and economic growth. The result is significant air, soil and water pollution, as well as safety problems and health impacts upon both workers and nearby residents. Recycling and composting programs are unable to keep pace with the growth of waste, although small startup companies and non-governmental organizations are introducing new solutions ranging from high-tech waste processing to improved training and support for waste picker communities. For India to achieve continued economic growth, poverty alleviation, hunger elimination, human development, and environmental improvement, new transformative solutions are needed rather than incremental improvements. This paper proposes an integrated systems approach towards waste policies and practices, based on an understanding of the interdependence among economic, environmental, and social processes. Drawing upon the results of a conference on Waste Management Innovation held in Mumbai in April 2017, the paper examines the current status of waste management in India, provides examples of innovative practices and emerging technologies that can help to ameliorate the situation, and offers recommendations for a path forward.