Himachal Pradesh has launched the Deposit Refund Scheme 2025 to tackle the growing issue of non-biodegradable waste in its tourist hotspots. The initiative requires consumers to pay a refundable deposit on items like plastic bottles, glass containers, and aluminium cans, which they can reclaim upon returning the used packaging at designated collection centres. The scheme aims to encourage responsible waste disposal and reduce littering in scenic locations like Kasol and Parvati Valley, which have been overwhelmed by garbage. Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan emphasized that the program is designed to bring behavioural change among tourists and vendors, using QR code tracking to ensure compliance. Himachal Pradesh has a history of environmental action, having banned plastic bags in 2009 and small PET bottles in government programs starting June 2025. With tourist waste doubling during peak seasons, this scheme is a crucial step toward preserving the state's fragile ecology.

In May 2025, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) collected and processed 7 tonnes of domestic sanitary and special care waste through its newly launched dedicated waste management service. The initiative, which began on April 22, aims to ensure safer disposal of sanitary napkins, diapers, and personal hygiene products, preventing health risks and environmental damage. A total of 1,748 establishments, including housing societies, beauty parlours, educational institutions, and women’s hostels, have registered for the service. The highest waste collection—5,274 kg—came from P-South ward (Goregaon, Aarey Colony), followed by 611 kg from G-South ward (Worli, Lower Parel, Prabhadevi, Mahalaxmi). The BMC has introduced a QR code-based self-registration system and partnered with an NGO for training and awareness. The collected waste is processed at six plasma incineration plants, ensuring environmentally friendly disposal. The civic body plans to make registration for this service mandatory in the future.

Tata Steel is pioneering India’s first Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) project in the ferrochrome industry at its Ferro Alloys Plant in Athagarh, Odisha. The initiative, under Tata Steel’s Ferro Alloys and Minerals Division (FAMD), aims to capture and utilize waste heat generated during ferrochrome production, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Comfit Enersav Private Limited and Yantra Harvest Energy Solutions to design and implement the WHR system. The recovered heat will be used to dry chrome ore fines, replacing furnace oil, leading to an estimated ₹3 crore in annual cost savings. This project aligns with Tata Steel’s net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2045 and follows its successful biomass trial in ferrochrome production, which demonstrated a 6% reduction in CO₂ emissions. The initiative sets a new benchmark for sustainable industrial practices in India.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to establish a green energy biogas plant at Unit-I haat, the city's largest retail and wholesale market. The plant will process three tonnes of organic waste daily and will be built on 3,500 sq. ft of land provided by the civic body. The project aims to convert organic waste into biogas, which will be used for electricity generation and supplied to the power grid, making the initiative financially viable. The BMC has floated a tender to select an agency that will build, operate, and maintain the facility for five years. City Mayor Sulochana Das emphasized that the plant would help process waste at the source, reducing dependency on micro composting centres. The BMC is also working on a mega biogas plant to process 200 tonnes of waste daily, further strengthening Bhubaneswar’s sustainable waste management efforts.

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed an innovative wastewater treatment system using biochar from spent mushroom waste and the laccase enzyme. Named BHEEMA (Biochar-based Hydrological Enzyme regulated Efficient Mechanism for Antibiotics removal), the technology effectively removes harmful fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Norfloxacin from hospital discharge and industrial effluents without producing toxic byproducts.
Unlike conventional methods that generate secondary pollutants, BHEEMA achieves 90-95% degradation efficiency within three hours. The system is cost-effective, with a prototype costing ₹4,000-5,000, making it scalable for urban and rural applications. The research team, led by Sudip Mitra, has been recognized as a top finalist in the Vishwakarma Awards 2024.
The next phase involves field testing and market validation, with researchers conducting hands-on training for farmers on biochar preparation and its agricultural benefits.

The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC), in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, has launched a volunteer-driven cleanup drive at Kurichi Lake to tackle plastic waste accumulation. The initiative, supported by four residential welfare associations, aims to raise awareness about source segregation, plastic recycling, and water body conservation. Despite initial low public participation, volunteers successfully collected a truckload of plastic waste within an hour. Kuniyamuthur Residents Welfare Association President Abdul Hakkim highlighted that improper waste disposal habits contribute to pollution, with many residents failing to set out waste for collection on time. The cleanup drive will continue with door-to-door awareness campaigns, encouraging responsible waste disposal. The event also includes a marathon to further engage the community. Organizers hope that local involvement will lead to long-term behavioural change in waste management practices.

Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Tripura has taken a major step toward sustainability by introducing compostable bags made from PBAT, a biodegradable, chemical-free polymer, as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic. Certified by CIPET for meeting compostability and bio-degradability standards, these eco-friendly bags decompose within 180 days, offering a practical alternative to conventional plastics that can take centuries to break down. Priced at ₹145/kg wholesale and ₹160/kg retail, they are both affordable and accessible. They are also actively engaging with the community to promote the use of compostable bags, reduce plastic pollution, and encourage responsible waste management for a sustainable future.

TrackingPath, developed by AVSG Info Systems Pvt Ltd, is revolutionizing solid waste management (SWM) in India using AI-powered visual intelligence. The platform integrates onboard cameras on garbage trucks, capturing real-time footage to verify waste collection, eliminating false reporting and inefficiencies in municipal waste tracking. Unlike traditional GPS-based monitoring, which often fails to confirm actual waste pickup, TrackingPath ensures accountability by geo-tagging and timestamping each collection. The system also differentiates between wet and dry waste, enforcing compliance with India’s mandatory waste segregation rules. Additionally, the platform features a Smart City Command Centre, providing real-time alerts for missed pickups, route deviations, and overflowing bins. This AI-driven approach enhances operational transparency, benefiting both civic bodies and citizens. TrackingPath’s data-driven waste management is a significant step toward cleaner cities, aligning with India’s broader Swachh Bharat Mission and sustainable urban development goals.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to assign DWCRA (Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas) groups the responsibility of converting wet garbage into compost at the local level. The initiative is part of a broader circular economy strategy aimed at improving waste management and keeping villages clean. Naidu emphasized daily waste collection from households and the grading of waste through 52 clusters across the state. He also stressed that dry waste should be handed over to agencies for proper disposal, preventing roadside dumping. The government is studying Rajasthan’s circular economy model to develop a state-wide policy. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh is expediting the construction of waste-to-energy plants in Nellore, Rajahmundry, Kadapa, and Kurnool, aiming for a zero-waste goal. Awards will be presented to Gram Panchayats and individuals excelling in waste management on October 2, 2025.

Chemco Group and Kandoi Group have announced a ₹450 crore joint venture to establish two greenfield manufacturing facilities in Vapi and Dahej, Gujarat for recycled PET (rPET)-based Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) bags. The plants will recycle over 10 million PET bottles daily, amounting to 3.6 billion bottles annually, and will be powered entirely by renewable energy. The initiative aims to build a circular economy, creating over 2,500 direct and indirect jobs while working with Urban Local Bodies and municipal corporations to formalize India's informal waste collection system. The rPET FIBC bags will comply with India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines and global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. Commercial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025, with plans to scale operations and explore export markets for sustainable packaging solutions.

The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has launched an innovative project to construct roads using plastic waste, addressing both waste management and road durability issues. Plastic waste from household garbage is segregated, shredded, and blended into asphalt mix to create stronger, pothole-resistant roads. The pilot project was implemented in Lingaraj Nagar, with plans to expand across the city. This method reduces costs by ₹1.5 lakh per kilometer compared to traditional road construction. The initiative supports India’s circular economy and aligns with Swachh Bharat goals. For future expansion HDMC plans to use this technology in all upcoming road projects. This initiative showcases smart governance and innovation, turning plastic waste into a valuable resource for infrastructure development.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has inaugurated bamboo processing units at the Sairang Horticulture Centre, established under the National Bamboo Mission with a ₹25 crore investment. These facilities include a Bamboo Treatment & Seasoning Plant, a Bamboo Depot & Godown, and an Activated Charcoal Unit, which can produce three tonnes of charcoal per day, amounting to 900 tonnes annually. Additionally, the plant will generate 100 litres of vinegar daily, with 54 litres of refined vinegar extracted post-distillation. Bamboo clusters in Chhingchhip, Baktawng, and Saiphal villages will supply raw materials, ensuring sustainable industrialization. Given bamboo's rapid regeneration cycle of 1–2 years, the initiative is expected to enhance Mizoram’s green economy, creating new economic opportunities. The North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) is providing technical assistance and workforce training to support the project’s long-term viability.