In some pockets of India, new sustainable alternatives are developing which could potentially revolutionise how waste is treated. One of which, SWaCH (Solid Waste Collection and Handling) is the country's first co-operative of self-employed waster collectors predominantly from low-income backgrounds.

First published on Caleidoscope. The issue of waste management in India is a much debated topic which needs no introduction. Everyday, large space is dedicated in the media to highlight the problems of urban waste. Politicians often use it as a talking point, while commoners make it a point to crib about it. Meanwhile, as tons of solid waste continues to pile up in the outskirts of cities, nothing seems to happen on finding a permanent solution to this everyday problem. It is hard to believe that a developing country like India which suffers from severe resource crunch in almost all natural resources, can afford to create such enormous piles of waste.

A team of anonymous do-gooders are transforming the rubbish-laden areas of Bangalore in an effort to change attitudes about waste disposal and promote a sense of civic duty in all citizens.

Residents of Bangalore will now be required to separate waste before it is collected by municipal authorities.With overflowing landfill areas becoming an increasingly pressing issue nationally, the Karnataka state government has implemented new processes to its waste management system in Bangalore. Residents and companies operating in the city are now required to separate waste prior to its collection by municipal workers.

With the ever-increasing amount of garbage piling up at a speed which exceeds the capacities of landfills and incinerators ability to accomodate it, the Chinese authority now seeks to deal with the problem at the source.