Recycling is a cornerstone of sustainable waste management, yet implementing effective recycling programs in the slum areas of Kanpur is fraught with challenges. These densely populated neighbourhoods grapple with inadequate infrastructure, pervasive poverty, and limited access to essential services, making the logistics of recycling a daunting task.A key obstacle is the lack of awareness and education regarding recycling. Many residents in these slum areas are unfamiliar with the concept and its benefits, leading to low participation rates. Without targeted educational efforts, even the most well-designed programs fail to engage the community meaningfully.Moreover, the absence of proper infrastructure poses a significant barrier. Slum areas often lack efficient waste collection systems, and the necessary infrastructure to support recycling—such as bins, sorting facilities, and transportation—is either insufficient or poorly maintained. This results in the indiscriminate disposal of waste, contributing to severe health risks and environmental degradation.Economic hardships further complicate the situation. Many residents rely on informal waste picking as a means of livelihood, which often conflicts with organized recycling initiatives. These waste pickers typically lack access to protective gear and are vulnerable to exploitation, making it challenging to integrate them into formal recycling systems. To address these challenges, a holistic approach is required, encompassing community education, infrastructure development, and the inclusion of informal waste pickers into formal recycling efforts. Without these crucial steps, recycling programs in Kanpur’s slum areas will continue to encounter significant obstacles, diminishing their potential impact on the environment and public health.