Waste Matters Foundation
We're Fixing It.
Waste Matters Foundation is the Mumbai-based NGO protecting Elephanta Island — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — through community action, clean infrastructure, and a zero-landfill commitment.
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
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.
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.
Data Analyst Manager
28 years in IT across Delivery Management, ETL and BI consulting. Led a 25+ member offshore team at Teradata India, driving Agile adoption and a DevOps roadmap. Passionate about sustainability and travel.
Advisory
Tanay pivoted from architecture to design, earning a gold medal from IDC, IIT Bombay, and co-founding Fractal Ink before its 2016 acquisition by Dentsu. He then turned to fine art, exhibiting in Dubai, London and Brussels. A 2025 Berlin residency shaped his current abstract work, including his book Ambivalence and 2026 solo show, The Skin Between the Worlds.
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
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
Make a Difference
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
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
