With rapid urbanization and increasing waste generation, open waste burning (OWB) is emerging as a critical environmental challenge in India. OWB is a significant source of fine particulate matter, black carbon, and several other toxic pollutants. Generating evidence across multiple cities is critical to support informed and sustainable policy discussions on OWB mitigation in India. 

Despite its significance, the status of OWB in India remains poorly understood because of the lack of comprehensive ground-level data. Developing a comprehensive, multicity dataset on OWB characteristics would strengthen emissions inventories and help bring greater policy attention to this often under-recognized source of pollution. Based on survey data collected across 11 Indian cities, this study generates and presents robust data on OWB characteristics across multiple non-attainment cities, thereby informing the design and prioritization of mitigation strategies.