ABSTRACT
This essay examines two types of voluntary organizations that concentrate either on India's urban solid waste or its collection. It is demonstrated that these two types are very different. The first type ('green' voluntary organizations) consists of middle-class and upper-class residents who are irritated by the nuisance of waste. The second type ('red' voluntary organizations) are concerned with the living conditions of the men, women and children who depend on waste to make a living. Moreover, the first type appears to be respected by local authorities while the voluntary organizations concerned with the plight of waste collectors are looked upon with considerable contempt.
