Mumbai generates 8,780 metric tonnes of waste daily, out of which approximately 3,000 metric tonnes is wet waste. Only 100-150 metric tonnes per day (MTPD) is treated to localised composting and biogas generation. The civic body, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, has only been able to scientifically dispose of 30 percent of its total waste and recover a mere 3 percent of targeted 80 percent municipal solid waste. The present dumping sites of Deonar, Mulund and Kanjurmarg with a total area of 151Ha have almost exhausted capacity. With the increasing population, Greater Mumbai will require 1,400 sq kms of land to dispose its waste.   

To promote the concept of circular economy ‘buy, consume and return’ in waste management as against ‘buy, consume and dispose’ model, a symposium was organised by Praja Foundation and Mumbai Vikas Samiti. Discussions were held on current practices in waste management and the way forward with effective techniques and the concept of circular economy to manage solid waste.