Examining stakeholder participation in sustainable waste management practices in Bengaluru, India

Abstract

This research paper critically examines the involvement of stakeholders in promoting sustainable waste management practices within the urban context of Bengaluru, India. Understanding and harnessing stakeholder engagement has become imperative, given the city’s escalating waste management challenges due to rapid urbanisation and population growth. Focused on analysing stakeholder participation, associated challenges, and available opportunities in sustainable waste management endeavours, this study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating primary and secondary data sources. Through in-depth analysis, the study unveils the multifaceted engagement of stakeholders in municipal waste management initiatives across Bengaluru. While the extent of their involvement may vary, stakeholders collectively exert significant influence in advancing waste management practices and aim to realise the ambition of transforming Bengaluru into a zero-waste city. The study found that dealing with the complex issues of municipal waste management in Bengaluru requires a thorough, multi-stakeholder approach. Effective solutions require the active involvement and cooperation of stakeholders, including citizens, community organisations, private sector entities, and non-governmental organisations. This research offers valuable recommendations for stakeholders involved in sustainable urban development in Bengaluru’s waste management landscape, thereby enriching scholarly discourse on sustainable municipal waste management.