From Waste to Wealth: How Socially Responsible Waste Practices Empower Diverse Communities in Odisha

Abstract

The increasing urgency of sustainable development demands an inclusive approach to waste management that not only mitigates environmental degradation but also fosters social empowerment. This study explores the transformative potential of socially responsible waste management practices in empowering diverse and marginalized communities across Odisha. Anchored in the principles of sustainability, social equity, and community engagement, the research aims to evaluate and prioritize waste management initiatives that generate economic opportunities, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance social inclusion.

To systematically assess these practices, a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed. The study develops a structured framework involving key criteria such as social empowerment, economic impact, environmental sustainability, and inclusiveness. Data is gathered through expert surveys, stakeholder interviews, and secondary municipal reports. The findings reveal that initiatives led by self-help groups (SHGs), informal waste picker networks, and decentralized composting units demonstrate significant potential in converting waste into wealth while promoting equity among women, tribal, and underrepresented groups.

This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable waste governance by highlighting how localized, socially responsible interventions can drive both ecological and socio-economic transformation. The study concludes with policy recommendations to scale such models across similar developing regions and proposes an integrated strategy that aligns waste management with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5, 8, 11, and 12.