As India’s cities and towns grow, so does the mountain of waste we generate; now over 1.6 × 10⁵ tons every single day. What seems like a growing threat to public health and the environment is, in fact, a chance to unlock bold solutions, where science, innovation, and collaboration can transform waste into a sustainable resource. Through transformative initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 and GOBARdhan, the government is paving the way for the scientific recovery of waste, the development of circular economies, and the generation of clean energy from organic waste. Now, it’s time for academia and innovators to step in. In support of these efforts, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is proud to host the 2nd National Conference on Technological Advancements in Waste Management: Challenges and Opportunities 2025 on December 5 - 6, 2025, in Dhanbad, India. This platform aims to foster academic exchange, showcase innovative solutions, and promote scientific approaches that recognize waste as a valuable resource. Together, we can transform waste into a resource and drive India’s progress toward sustainability and climate resilience.