Mumbai : In a major overhaul of the city’s waste management system, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that it will now directly handle waste collection from residential and commercial bulk waste generators (BWGs), effectively banning the involvement of third-party private agencies.
The civic body has ordered all large residential and commercial establishments generating significant waste to immediately stop using external waste transportation services and cease any payments to such agencies.
Solid Waste Policy Under Review
As part of this reform, BMC has also deferred the registration of private waste processing agencies for the fiscal year 2025–26. A revised Solid Waste Management (SWM) policy is currently under review to bring BWGs under tighter control and accountability.
Ward-Level Data Collection in 7 Days
Assistant Head Supervisors (AHS) across city wards have been instructed to form dedicated teams to gather detailed information within seven days. This includes identifying existing waste collection agencies, fee structures, and copies of contractual agreements.
Official Statement from Civic Leadership
Ashwini Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner, confirmed that all waste collection and processing responsibilities would now fall under the purview of the BMC’s SWM Department. “An official notice will be sent to all bulk waste generators. Our engineering teams are preparing all necessary technical and transport support,” she stated.
Past Initiatives Fell Short
Despite previous mandates requiring establishments over 20,000 sq. meters or generating over 100 kg of wet waste daily to compost and segregate waste on-site, compliance dropped significantly post-COVID-19.
The move aligns with the Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2000, which obligate civic bodies to ensure scientific waste segregation, collection, and transportation.
