Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a significant global concern with adverse environmental, socio-economic, and health effects. However, characterizing MSW in developing urban areas is limited. By 2030, global MSW is projected to reach 2.59 billion tons, with 90% being disposed of unsafely. This study aims to quantify and characterize MSW in the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) in India, which generates 800–1000 tons of MSW daily. MSW data were collected using a door-to-door survey approach and sorted according to the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016). The study found that the per capita waste generation (PCG) for CCMC is 0.310 ± 0.453 kg/person/day (skewness ( γ ) = 5.69), with the highest PCG observed in the East zone with 0.365 ± 0.504 kg/person/day ( γ  = 7.88). Additionally, the study estimated the PCG based on categories, the number of persons, and different income groups. The estimated overall MSW in CCMC is 909.85 ± 1329.55 tons/day where 68.26 ± 41.25% is biodegradable waste. The study provides policymakers and waste management authorities with valuable insights to develop effective and sustainable waste management strategies for CCMC and other similar urban areas.