Urban local bodies outsourcing solid waste management operations to private entities leads to high costs, low accountability, and poor service. Udupi city, located in the south Indian state of Karnataka, began incorporating Self-Help Groups (SHG) for this purpose in 2006. This paper traces the programme’s evolution and impact through a case study of Udupi’s waste management programme involving 14 operational SHGs in 27 out of 35 wards under the city municipal corporation, and documenting the role of Saahas, an NGO in the space of solid waste management. By analysing the challenges faced during the initial phase and how they were overcome, the findings reveal that empowering local groups fosters accountability at the ground level. However to unlock the model’s full potential and ensure its long-term viability, several critical success factors were identified. The aim of this study is to contribute to a broader understanding of how SHGs can be successfully integrated into sustainable solid waste management practices.