Mumbai: The BMC is revisiting its solid waste bylaws to align them with the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, which require the imposition of a user fee for waste management in the city. The updated bylaws will also empower the civic body to collect fines from bulk waste generators who fail to segregate and process waste on their premises. This proposal was first introduced in the civic budget two years ago.
The Central Government has authorised municipal bodies to levy a ‘user fee’ on residents under the SWM Rules 2016 to enhance waste management services. The waste generators will have to pay such a user fee for SWM, as specified in the bye-laws of the local bodies.
This fee is intended to support improvements in waste collection, recycling, and disposal, ensuring a more efficient and sustainable waste management system for the city. It will also help the civic body to generate additional revenue.
“Cities like Pune, Chennai, and Delhi already charge citizens a user fee for waste management services. The BMC has not yet decided the exact amount, but it is considering a fee of about Rs 100 for residential units up to 500 sq ft, and between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 for larger properties. This fee will be added to the property tax bill and will help improve waste collection, recycling, and disposal in the city,” said an official from SWM department.
Housing societies and commercial establishments larger than 20,000 sq meters, or those generating more than 100 kg of wet waste (referred to as bulk generators), are required to segregate and compost waste on-site. However, less than 50% of societies comply with these civic rules, and the BMC continues to face challenges in getting many bulk generators to treat waste at the source.
A modification will be made to the bylaws allowing the BMC to collect fines from violators. A presentation on this matter is scheduled to be made before Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on Monday. Following this, the proposal will be open for public suggestions and objections before any formal implementation.
Ravi Raja, Former senior corporator and BJP leader said, “Why such important decision is taken when there are no elected representatives in corporation? And what is the guarantee that this will be judicially used for the cause. For years we all have seen how garbage collection and its disposal is ill managed at dumping grounds.”
The city produces 6,300 to 6,500 metric tonnes of waste daily. As per SWM rules, 2016, the civic body is required to achieve waste management at source.
