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?
"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."
FULL STORY: The Developing World's Most Innovative City for Trash Management Is ... Bangalore?

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

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).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.

Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.

Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)