India’s waste management sector is at a critical inflection point. Rapid urbanisation, evolving consumption patterns, and rising waste volumes have outpaced the capacity of existing systems. While regulatory frameworks have matured, implementation remains fragmented. Only 54% of waste is processed; the rest is either informally recovered or dumped in over 3,100+ dumpsites across the country.

The SAAF Cities initiative was launched to explore the feasibility of a platform-based approach to scaling innovations in urban waste management. This study drew on primary engagement and secondary research with 32 stakeholders—including Municipal corporations/Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), startups, corporates,
and ecosystem enablers, alongside a review of over 700 startups (small and medium enterprises) and 100+ innovation applications.

Jointly anchored by Villgro and the Socratus Foundation, with support from HDFC Bank, the report aims to identify systemic gaps and key priority areas for innovation, focusing on financing, regulatory challenges, and mechanisms to operationalize solutions and models at scale, to advance circularity principles and enhance
material recovery in waste management.