Innovative cafe in Ambikapur rewards ragpickers who collect plastic with meals

The city of Ambikapur in Chattisgarh faced a pressing challenge in plastic waste management, with over 2 lakh people uncertain about the proper disposal of plastic waste. Additionally, public facilities like roads lacked adequate funding. To tackle these issues, municipal officials devised a brilliant plan.

They established a unique cafe where ragpickers and underprivileged individuals could exchange collected plastic waste for food. The cafe operates on a simple principle: bringing 1kg of plastic waste entitles one to a full day's meal, while 500g of plastic waste qualifies for breakfast. This initiative aims to provide meals to homeless and shelterless people in Ambikapur.

Moreover, the collected plastic waste serves an essential purpose as it is recycled and extensively used in road construction, contributing to the creation of stronger and more durable roads. The method involves blending shredded plastics with tar to create impermeable road surfaces.


The Chattisgarh authorities allocated Rs 5.5 lakhs for this project, with a backup plan where elected leaders contribute their funds if needed. Launched on August 1, 2019, the cafe serves dual purposes: addressing plastic waste management and providing shelter to the city's homeless population.

Ambikapur's effective waste management efforts have earned it recognition as India's cleanest city after Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The city adopts a stringent door-to-door waste collection and segregation system, treating all generated waste within its boundaries.

Waste collection in Ambikapur involves meticulous segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials. Organic waste is used to feed cattle, while the remaining waste is directed to a biogas plant. The city further sells 17 categories of waste materials, including paper, plastics, and electronic goods, to recycling manufacturers.

Experts laud Ambikapur's robust garbage disposal and segregation system, advocating that other cities draw inspiration from its success. The innovative cafe not only provides ragpickers and garbage collectors with a new source of sustenance but also rewards their efforts in waste collection, benefitting both individuals and the city's waste management system.