Role of Digitization in Achieving Sustainable Waste Management of Plastic and Other Materials

India generates 1,54,090 TPD(Tonnes Per Day) of municipal solid waste of which 76% gets processed. Increasing urbanization, population growth, and changing lifestyles with economic growth  clearly indicate that waste generation and associated challenges will keep on growing further. The problems in waste management are mostly linked with appropriate data and management strategies. There lies a strong role for digitalization in the waste sector to bring appropriate monitoring, review, and verification (MRVs) mechanisms in place, helping with enhanced efficiencies and transformation towards a circular economy. To understand the flow of dry waste from cities and the monitoring mechanism adopted by urban local bodies in the country, a baseline study was undertaken in 2021–2022. The need was felt to come up with a framework, which enables transparency, ease of replicability, and the ability to connect with markets. A digital waste exchange platform “Sansaadhan” was conceptualized, facilitating visualization of flow patterns and stocks from within city MRFs (Material Recovery Facilities) to the city administration as well as state-level administration. Data in a clustered and decluttered manner can be analysed via bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs—demonstrating the performance of specific materials and sub-materials over each month. The portal enables transactions between recycling markets and MRFs by providing access and communication mechanisms. The trends and reports we get from the Sansaadhan Portal will open various fronts for discussion and peer learning among cities. Digital transformation can transform the way we see the waste management industry. Of course, this will demand more security for data and capacities in cities at all levels to manage digitalization at workspaces. This chapter presents the details about the created digital portal and mechanisms by which cities and states will benefit and secure better implementation of SBM 2.0.