Assessment of the impact of the DESIRE project on the uptake of waste minimization in small scale industries in India (1993–1997)

Abstract

Project Demonstrations In Small Industries for Reducing waste (DESIRE) was implemented between 1993 and 1995 to foster the uptake of waste minimization among small scale industries in India. The project adopted the PRISMA project design and included: waste minimization assessments in 12 demonstration companies (from three industry sectors); development of a waste minimization assessment methodology customized to the needs and opportunities of small scale industries; assessment of company level constraints and enabling measures; formulation of policy recommendations; and dissemination activities. The follow-up assessment confirmed in all five demonstration companies that still operate under comparable conditions at the start of the DESIRE project, the continued utilization of the capacity built in the DESIRE project. There is also compelling evidence that some companies that participated in follow-up dissemination activities were able to implement waste minimization without an expensive external waste minimization assessment. The policy impact of the DESIRE project is mixed. The project results did however inspire change and catalyze new initiatives and follow-up waste minimization and cleaner production projects.