October 15, 2025: Navi Mumbai is all set to lead the nation in sustainability with the launch of India’s first Waste-to-Art Lab at CBD Belapur, under the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) solid waste management initiative. The innovative Upcycling Art Training Centre will process around 200 tonnes of dry waste every month, transforming discarded materials into artistic sculptures that will enhance the city’s public spaces.
“Navi Mumbai has always been a pioneer in solid waste management and innovative recycling,” said Dr. Kailas Shinde, NMMC Commissioner. “This lab will not only help manage waste efficiently but also foster creativity and environmental awareness.”
Situated beneath the Sector 21 flyover, the facility is part of NMMC’s ongoing mission to promote innovation and sustainability. “The corporation will provide the required infrastructure, while the contractor will install baling machines and other equipment for processing,” explained Dr. Ajay Gadade, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management Department.
The sculptures created from recycled materials will be showcased across parks, public squares, and city landmarks. The NMMC will also conduct workshops, awareness drives, and lectures for schools, colleges, and housing societies to encourage active citizen participation in waste segregation and recycling.
Officials added that the facility will source waste directly from sanitation workers and waste pickers, ensuring fair income opportunities and social inclusion.
Navi Mumbai has previously pioneered several eco-friendly initiatives, such as composting biodegradable waste, manufacturing industrial fuel pellets from plastic, and recycling construction debris into paver blocks. The city also runs India’s first old clothes recycling project.
With this Waste-to-Art Lab, Navi Mumbai aims to redefine urban sustainability by merging environmental responsibility with creative expression.
Source: Construction World
