Inclusive MSW Rules Campaign
The Municipal Solid Waste (Handling and Management) Rules 2000 called for recycling of inorganic wastes. However, they did not include the informal waste recycling sector itself, the central actors in this work. In a climate where it is now seen that the work of the sector reduces green house gases and alleviates poverty, and also in the light of the National Environment Policy itself, which calls for legal recognition of the sector, we demand their inclusion in these Rules. The rules are currently being revised. Chintan and Sycom have worked created the possible changes we would like to see in the rules. Do look at them (Download pdf files: Campaign letter, Rules in English, Rules in Hindi - PDF Files Part 1 , Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5) and if you agree, use these as a basis to write to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, asking for an amendment with the details. Be sure to do this and let us know too at anand@chintan-india.org . 

Waste for Recyclers
The privatization of waste collection and transportation in Delhi has turned out to be a poverty enhancing policy. In a nutshell, the problem with this policy is that it has taken away from the wastepickers their customary right to recyclable waste and given that right to the private companies instead. Read more about our perspectives (Download Word file) and what we want

Chintan and many others are campaigning for a shift in this policy through public discussions, signature campaigns, dharnas and many other kids of advocacies. If you’d like to learn more or be included in the campaign, email anand@chintan-india.org

Recognize the Kabari
The Kabari, or small middleman, or junk dealer, has been vilified by the Indian Government for the last decade. Now, however, rather than understanding its significance to the city and its working, it has been sealing the Kabari shops as commercial enterprises wrongly located in non-commercial areas. A study of a Kabari shop shows that it is most needed near residential areas, where most waste is generated. However, the junk dealers usually set up shop in slums and other areas, providing a critical sanitation service to the city. It is critical to recognize this service and license this as an essential recycling service. Chintan’s campaigns, undertaken with the sector itself, have pressed for a shift from a prejudice based policy to a fact based policy. In August 2006, we held a protest march with nearly 16,000 small junk dealers. Read more in the note enclosed (Download Word file). If you’d like to be kept informed, email anand@chintan-india.org