The Island
Deserves Better.
We're Fixing It.
Protecting Elephanta Island's natural beauty and 1,500-year-old heritage through community action, clean infrastructure, and zero-landfill commitment.
Measuring change since 2018
Removed
Offset
Clean-up Drives
via IEC Activities
on Island
Sterilized
in Menstrual Hygiene
Fighting Waste
at the Source
Founded in December 2018 by Siddhant Padte, a third-generation Elephanta Island local, Waste Matters Foundation tackles the three root causes of the island's waste crisis: Sensitization, Segregation, and Collection.
From establishing the island's first Material Recovery Facility to running weekly beach clean-ups, we work where it matters most protecting a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the community that calls it home.
Our Full Story
Siddhant Padte
Founder
A third-generation Elephanta Island local, Siddhant started Waste Matters to protect his home and community. His vision drives the foundation’s island-first sustainability work.
Capt Ashwin Malwade
Director
Ashwin Malwade is a Master Mariner with over 18yrs of sea going experience who has seen firsthand the deep-rooted problems caused by marine debris. Driven by his desire to eliminate plastic pollution, he navigates our ship to unexplored ideas for everyday and special day sustainability.His skills include excellent people skills which enables Waste Matters to forge collaborations in the sector to create a larger impact.
Ronak Postandel
Project Manager
Ronak contributes to operations, recovery systems, and practical waste-management planning. His focus helps turn collected waste into measurable environmental impact.
Two Programmes. One Mission.
Project
GEM
Gharapuri Elephanta Manthan, island-wide revival
A comprehensive restoration initiative in collaboration with Ek Saath, The Earth Foundation. Systemic waste infrastructure, biodiversity surveys, sanitation, and community welfare, all under one integrated programme.
Key Interventions
- India's first island-based Material Recovery Facility (MRF) funded by JNPA CSR
- 55 dustbins installed and public toilet block constructed
- IEC activities reaching 2000+ island residents
- Menstrual hygiene workshops for 100 women
- 64 stray dogs sterilized with Upadhyaya Foundation and WSD
- Biodiversity survey and awareness with Healing Himalayas and Sony Pictures
MRF
Installed
Reached
Sterilized
Removed
Commitment
in Menstrual Hygiene
I Love
Elephanta
Stakeholder-led beach clean-up campaign
Uniting local businesses, ferry operators, tour agents, and guides around a shared responsibility for the island's cleanliness with a zero-landfill commitment on all collected waste.
Key Activities
- Weekly 2-hour beach clean-up drives
- Plastic awareness sessions for residents and ferry operators
- Waste segregation-at-source training for business operators
- Zero-landfill, all waste channeled to authorised recycling
Drives
Removed
Commitment
Make a Difference
Fund the
Clean-up
Your contribution directly funds waste collection operations, recycling infrastructure, and community programmes on Elephanta Island. Every rupee goes toward making the island cleaner, healthier, and more resilient.
Donate NowRegistered NGO · 100% goes to island programmes
Join the Ground Team
Volunteer
With Us
Join us on the ground at Elephanta Island. Whether you want to participate in a beach clean-up drive, support community awareness sessions, or contribute your professional skills, we welcome individuals and groups alike.
Get InvolvedWeekly drives every weekend · All skill levels welcome