An Informal Model of Waste Management Blossoms in Bangalore

Without the wealth for recycling, Indian cities like Bangalore rely on informal traders to collect and sell recyclable materials. Could this tech hub provide a model of trash disposal for cities in the developing and developed world alike?

1 minute read

October 17, 2012, 6:00 AM PDT

By Jessica Hsu


"In India," says Poonam Kasturi, "we're famous for keeping our homes clean and our cities dirty." But the issue of waste management became a hot button issue in Bangalore this past August when city employees went on a strike and landfills shut down. "Even the wealthier corners of the city were faced with the unpleasant realities of moved rubbish," writes Mark Bergen, "And considerable public health concerns, particularly of the spread of dengue fever, persisted after the workers returned."

Indian cities do not generally have the funds available for recycling programs, but informal traders "process around a third of the 3,500 tons of waste generated in the city per day." After the strike, Bangaloreans turned to these informal recyclers for information on how to better manage and compost their trash. "Informal recycling is a huge plus," says Sandya Narayanan, "which we don't have anywhere else in the world." She believes that this model could possibly serve as an example for other emerging nations.

"As it is now," states Bergen, "the city's model is far from ideal." The informal traders work at their own risk with few safety and environmental regulations. "Yet the movement to educate on safety and segregation and limit the waste shipped to the city's landfills is gaining speed."

Monday, October 15, 2012 in The Atlantic Cities

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 4, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

Sun rising over downtown Los Angeles with tall palm trees visible in foreground. Image is bright orange-red indicating extreme heat.

LA County Creating Action Plan to Tackle Extreme Heat

Los Angeles County is creating a Heat Action Plan to help communities stay safe during extreme heat, with steps like adding more shade, improving buildings, and supporting the neighborhoods most at risk.

1 hour ago - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Small silver car driving over wide soeed cushion on asphalt road.

Maryland Plans Quick-Build Complete Streets Projects

The state will use low-cost interventions to improve road safety in five Maryland counties.

2 hours ago - Fox Baltimore

Nighttime view of downtown Los Angeles through arches of new 6th Street Viaduct.

Downtown Los Angeles Gears Up for Growth

A new report highlights Downtown L.A.’s ongoing revival through major housing projects, adaptive reuse, hospitality growth, and preparations for global events in the years ahead.

3 hours ago - Los Angeles Downtown News

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.