Informal Waste Sector in Urban India: A Review of Waste Management Policies and Their Impact

Nearly 70% of India's 62 million tonnes of municipal solid garbage are improperly handled, creating serious problems for the country's environment, public health, and socioeconomic standing. The present management systems are under a great deal of strain due to the fast urbanisation and economic expansion that increase waste creation. Notwithstanding the quick economic growth, efficient waste management has proven challenging, suggesting a weakness in development plans. In this article, discuss the effects of waste management regulations in metropolitan India. The analysis shows that there are many serious issues with India's solid waste management system, such as low public awareness, weak policy enforcement, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of finance. Despite initiatives such as SBM, Smart Cities Mission, and SWM Rules (2016), gaps between policy and practice persist, leading to overflowing landfills, hazardous dumping, and severe public health risks. The informal sector, though under recognized, plays a vital role in recycling and waste reduction. Integrating this sector into formal systems, along with adopting decentralized composting, biogas, and modern waste-to-energy technologies, can enhance efficiency. Ultimately, sustainable MSWM demands inclusive governance, technological innovation, and collective participation.