Fact Sheets

Did You Know?

• In many countries of the developing world, the urban poor form the backbone of recycling programs
• About 15 lakh people across India depend on waste for their livelihoods
• On a per capita basis, individual middle-class residents in Delhi and other big cities in India generate nearly .8 kg of waste per person per day
• From a culture of being frugal, Indians are wasting huge amounts. Every year, 42 million tons of waste is generated, which is the same as the amount of wheat Australia produces annually
• In 1996, Indian waste comprised 0.60% plastics. In 2005, this shot upto 9.22%