Surat, situated on the western coast of India, rests on the banks of the Tapi river in the state of Gujarat. Recognized as a model city for waste management in India, the city collects and processes over 95% of the waste generated, with recycling gradually increasing in recent years (ICLEI, 2022). However, the city faces notable challenges in plastic waste management, as Gujarat was reported to have one of the highest rates of plastic waste generation in India, at 12% (Central Pollution Control Board, 2016).
Through the Urban Ocean program, Surat aims to identify gaps in its solid waste management system that contribute to leakage and leverage opportunities towards advancing zero waste circular solutions in the city.
Project Statement
Advancing Zero Waste Circular Solutions in the City of Surat incorporates various initiatives that will help initiate a transformation in Surat towards fostering a circular economy mind-set in the city and developing local practices and physical systems for the same.
The Project Statement outlines the city’s vision for the project and the impact it aims to achieve, highlighting the urgency of the issue and the importance of taking immediate action.
Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) Report
Between September 2022 and January 2023, a team from The Centre for Environment Education (CEE), with guidance and support from the Circularity Informatics Lab, conducted fieldwork in the city of Surat, India. The CAP was conducted with support from the city’s local government, the Chief Resilience Officer, and the larger Urban Ocean team.
The CAP, developed by the Circularity Informatics Lab at the University of Georgia, is a standardized method of collecting community-level data on plastic usage to inform decision-makers.
City Waste Management Profile
Surat’s Profile highlights challenges in waste segregation awareness, plastic waste management from local industries, and stakeholder collaboration. Opportunities include improving community engagement, reducing plastic waste through local industry partnerships, and enhancing worker safety. Addressing these can lead Surat towards sustainable waste management practices and greater resilience.
The City Waste Management Profile evaluates a city’s waste management system, identifying risks and vulnerabilities to support resilience, reduce plastic pollution, and foster tailored solutions.
Urban Ocean is a capacity-building and accelerator program to end ocean plastic pollution and build more resilient communities in cities. Urban Ocean champions circular economy principles, builds awareness of ocean plastic, assesses waste management systems and supports cities to develop projects that address the interrelated challenges of ocean plastics and resilience. Since 2020, the program has been implemented in cities across Asia and Latin America. The program is jointly implemented by Resilient Cities Network, Ocean Conservancy and The Circulate Initiative.