Solid waste management (SWM) is a significant problem on a global scale, and India faces similar difficulties. The main causes of waste production are the growing population and the altered lifestyle brought on by the rising per capita income. As a result, solid waste is constantly expanding in both amount and variety. However, over time, India’s approaches to managing solid waste have changed. This narrative review highlights the most innovative SWM solutions from an Indian perspective. The review highlights important barriers to scaling recycled and repurposed products, such as perceptions of inferiority, quality inconsistency, and cost challenges and reasons associated. It advocates for enhancing community awareness, stringent waste segregation laws, and government incentives to promote recycling and improve SWM practices in India. The review also describes the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, regulatory modifications, and more funding for waste management techniques. These will consequently promote the use of recycled and repurposed products, lower pollution, conserve resources, minimize climate change, and consequently safeguard public health and pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable future for India.
Sharma et al. (2026) studied this question.