Nature operates in a circular fashion. However, linear production and consumption patterns have led to a waste crisis. India's Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules of 2000 and subsequently of 2016 have marked a significant step towards a cleaner nation. Yet, the gap between policy and practice is vast, which requires active participation from the civil society. To bridge this gap, Wilma Rodrigues founded Saahas, an NGO in 2001, with a bold vision: to transform India into a Circular Economy where 'Nothing is Waste'.

In early 2000s, the waste management landscape was in the early phases of development, and there were no successful models to emulate. The primary focus was on waste collection and disposal, with little emphasis on reducing waste or recycling. Saahas recognized that treating waste as a resource is key, and segregation of waste at source is the first step. Thus began the journey of transformation in communities, villages and cities across India.  Saahas embarked on a mission to pilot innovative resource management programs, collaborating with communities, government bodies, businesses, and other stakeholders. By closely working with the government functionaries in urban and rural areas and building their capacities, Saahas has been able to strengthen the solid waste management systems at its project location.

Fuelled by CSR and non-CSR grants and donations, Saahas's reach has been impressive. Operating in 12 states, 24 districts, 11 urban centres, and more than 1000 villages, their initiatives impacted a combined population of 4.2 million in FY 2023-24, comprising citizens, local administration, waste workers, and the entire waste value chain. Saahas prioritizes gender equality and social inclusion. By promoting source segregation and resource recovery initiatives, they improved the income and working conditions of waste workers, predominantly women. Their work aligns with 6 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The impact has also been substantial. Saahas's practices reduced greenhouse gas emissions, minimized dumpsites, and improved hygiene. The success metrics included waste diversion, collection, segregation, livelihoods created, user fees collected, operational SWM centres, and outreach activities. In FY 2023-24, Saahas managed 180 MT of waste daily through various initiatives and set up 118 decentralized SWM units, generating or enhancing 534 livelihoods.

As CEO of Saahas, Archana Tripathi, says, “Our vision is to enable India to be a leading Circular Economy where nothing is waste, and with every passing year we are getting closer to it. Over the last couple of years, we have shifted the focus of our interventions beyond just management of waste, to waste reduction and reuse, which are key components of a circular economy. We hope to expand our impact both in terms of coverage and innovation in the years to come.”

Each geography is unique and requires a localized approach for influencing behaviour change and for institutionalizing sustainable systems for solid waste management. Through mass awareness campaigns, behaviour change communication, and capacity-building programs for administrative, corporate, and development sector stakeholders, Saahas has worked on improving collective responsibility and community ownership for waste management. The economic and environmental sustainability is another crucial element for the long-term viability of the projects.

Saahas has demonstrated that a committed approach to sustainable waste management can lead to substantial environmental and social impacts, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future in India.