Howden Rotary Working Internationally with India

Plastic pollution is a major issue across India, with overflowing waste impacting both people and the planet. This new project has established a systematic way to collect, sort, and recycle plastic from households in Jalna, supported by educational campaigns and a network of local volunteers.

What sets this project apart is its replicability. All five Rotary clubs in Jalna have joined forces to back the scheme, and the approach is designed to be adopted by other Indian towns and cities. The structure is simple, low-cost, and rooted in community engagement.

David Southworth, president of Howden Rotary Club visited Jalna in June this year to see the project in action. “The energy and commitment we saw from the volunteers and local residents was extraordinary. We’re proud to support such a meaningful and scalable solution — and to see Rotary’s global values brought to life in such a practical way.”

The funding has come from a mix of sources — with generous donations from Rotarians across the UK, support from District 1040, and a match from the Rotary Foundation in the USA. The full Global Grant has enabled long-term investment in equipment, training, and local employment.

With success now visible in the streets of Jalna, and the model gaining attention across India, Howden Rotary Club is encouraging others in the UK and beyond to look at how this approach might be replicated in other parts of the world.