India's Waste Crisis: Why Behavior Matters More Than Technology
India's approach to waste management is evolving through a combination of simple home practices and sophisticated technological solutions. People across the country are separating kitchen waste in their homes. At the same time, advanced chemical recycling methods are being implemented. This dual strategy reflects a growing recognition that managing waste effectively requires more than just new gadgets or policies.
The Human Element in Waste Management
Technology has progressed quickly in recent years. However, recycling programs and circular economy efforts still rely heavily on basic human actions. How individuals sort their trash, reuse items, and consume responsibly forms the foundation of any successful system.
This crucial connection between daily behavior and technological advancement took center stage at the International Recycling Incubation Summit (IRIS) 2026. The TERI School of Advanced Studies, through its IPCA Centre for Waste Management and Research, organized this important gathering.
Experts Point to Behavioral Gaps
Discussions about advanced recycling technologies and optimization models revealed a clear consensus. India's waste problem is not primarily a technological issue. Shailshree Tewari, a solid waste management expert who co-founded the Do Choti NGO, explained this perspective clearly.
"Poor outcomes often come from behavioral failures rather than infrastructure shortages," Tewari stated. She noted that despite modern policies and systems, inadequate segregation at the source continues to weaken recycling and composting efforts nationwide.
Learning from Traditional Wisdom
Tewari drew attention to practices from previous generations. Older Indians lived circular lives naturally, without using that specific term. They composted kitchen waste regularly. They reused materials creatively. They practiced restrained consumption as a matter of course.
"Today, our resources and systems have upgraded significantly," Tewari observed. "But our sense of responsibility has declined noticeably." The session reinforced a critical viewpoint. No waste management solution can achieve success without active public participation. Reviving intergenerational practices is essential for building low-carbon, circular cities across India.
Behavioral Change Beyond Waste
The importance of behavioral change emerged in other contexts too. Smitha Babu, a UGC-NET-JRF scholar in psychology, presented research on sustainable menstrual hygiene. Her study argued convincingly that simply distributing free products does not create lasting impact.
Better outcomes require several supporting elements:
- Clear user information about products
- Accessible helplines for questions
- Reliable clean water and sanitation facilities
- Safe sterilization methods for reusable items
- Menstrual cup libraries for trial use
- Systems for repair or replacement when needed
Technological Pathways Forward
The summit also explored technological routes for closing material loops effectively. One session focused specifically on advanced recycling technologies. Experts highlighted limitations of conventional mechanical recycling, which often degrades material quality and increases dependence on virgin resources.
In contrast, chemical recycling processes enable high-quality recovery even from complex waste streams. The session showcased an innovative "wasteless biorefinery" model as well. This approach recovers valuable components like oils, proteins, and phenolics from farm and fish-processing residues. It then uses leftover biomass to enrich soil naturally.
Experts stressed a balanced perspective throughout the discussions. Research-driven technological systems are undoubtedly crucial for progress. However, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful results without corresponding behavioral change among citizens.
India's waste management story continues to unfold through this dynamic interplay. Simple actions at home and advanced innovations in laboratories must work together. The path forward requires both technological sophistication and a return to responsible daily practices that previous generations understood intuitively.
