As the old proverb goes, “Waste not, want not”, it has grown remarkably more important than ever to manage waste smartly. From household trash to industrial waste, the sheer amount of garbage we produce can have a detrimental impact on our environment and our health. 

On 14 December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly formally recognized the importance of zero-waste initiatives and proclaimed 30 March as the International Day of Zero Waste. It will be observed annually beginning in 2023.

What is the aim of 'International Day of Zero Waste’?

The International Day of Zero Waste aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns and to raise awareness about how zero-waste initiatives contribute to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Humans generate an estimated 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually but only manage 55% of it in controlled facilities. By 2050, this amount could increase to 3.88 billion tons per year. The waste sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in urban settings and biodiversity loss. Additionally, humans waste around 931 million tons of food each year, and it is expected that up to 37 million tons of plastic waste will enter the ocean annually by 2040.

How Zero-Waste can be a game changer for our planet? 

Zero-waste initiatives can foster sound waste management and minimize and prevent waste. They contribute to reducing pollution, mitigating the climate crisis, conserving biodiversity, enhancing food security, and improving human health. 

"One man's trash is another man's treasure," startups around the globe are implying this in their lives creating startups to reduce waste and also turning it into successful ventures. 

Which startups in India are working to manage waste? 

Recykal - The first waste-commerce platform in India, bridges the gap between waste generators and waste processors.

Refillable -  A zero-waste refill service, has recently launched its innovative solution to help brands and consumers reduce their environmental impact. The company's mission is to enable brands to deliver their products in a zero-waste format and help consumers shop more consciously.

The service offered by Refillable involves the use of a custom dispensing machine that has been retrofitted onto a specially designed truck and bike. These vehicles can travel to different locations and enable consumers to refill products in their old packaging, such as plastic water bottles, for instance.

By refilling products in their old packaging, the service eliminates packaging and distributor costs, which can lead to significant cost savings for both brands and consumers. Refillable passes on the cost-benefit to the consumer, making sustainability both convenient and affordable.

Carbonlites - A waste-to-renewable energy plant in Malur, Karnataka is producing India's first branded bottled Bio-CNG, called Carbonlites. This 40-ton plant operates in partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra and offers an innovative solution for managing waste while producing green energy.

Carbonlites can be used as a substitute for LPG in cooking, fuel for vehicles, or to run power generators. This sustainable product is 100% carbon-neutral in use and has no capital expenditure, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for businesses and households. Customers who use Carbonlites report a 10-15% reduction in costs when compared to LPG usage.

The plant also manufactures Carbonlites Organic Fertilizer, which is an affordable alternative to harmful chemical fertilizers. This organic fertilizer helps farmers preserve soil health and displace chemical fertilizers, thus protecting the environment.

ScrapUncle - The Online Kabadiwala operates an app/website that allows users to schedule a doorstep pickup for their junk items such as paper, plastics, metals, e-waste, and more, and receive payment for them. The platform employs technology to address the current challenges in the sector. Trained and verified collection partners execute the pickup orders received on the platform, and they bring the junk items to the nearest ScrapUncle fulfillment center. Subsequently, the junk is sent to respective authorized recyclers.

In conclusion, the International Day of Zero Waste is a crucial step in promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, reducing pollution, mitigating the climate crisis, conserving biodiversity, enhancing food security, and improving human health. The startups mentioned in India are excellent examples of how innovation and entrepreneurship can play a significant role in waste management. By creating solutions to manage waste, they are contributing to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future. Let us all work towards a zero-waste future and make every day a zero-waste day. 

Click here to know about the Delhi-Based startup that is turning waste into wealth and got funded by the government.