Municipal Authority in Mumbai (BMC) to Assume Responsibility for Waste Collection: Commercial and Residential Large-Scale Producers of Waste to No Longer Rely on Third-Party Companies; Ban Imposed

Municipal Authority in Mumbai (BMC) to Assume Responsibility for Waste Collection: Commercial and Residential Large-Scale Producers of Waste to No Longer Rely on Third-Party Companies; Ban Imposed

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a significant update to its solid waste management (SWM) policy, with the corporation now taking direct control of waste collection from residential and commercial establishments, including bulk waste generators (BWGs) [2][3].

This change means that these establishments are instructed to discontinue using third-party or external agencies for waste transportation and not pay fees to such agencies, as the BMC will handle collection, transportation, and disposal directly.

Key points of the updated policy include:

• The BMC has deferred registration for new waste processing agencies for fiscal year 2025–26, allowing it to bring BWGs under stricter supervision [3].
• Ward-level teams, led by Assistant Head Supervisors (AHS), will collect data within seven days on which establishments are outsourcing waste collection, the agencies used, and fees paid. Notices will be issued to stop such external services [2][3].
• Assistant and Executive Engineers of the Solid Waste Management Department are tasked with ensuring logistical support for efficient waste collection from these establishments [2][3].
• Bulk waste generators producing over 100 kg of waste are specifically targeted to comply with this new system, with potential charges imposed on those failing to process their waste properly [2].

This policy is part of a broader overhaul of Mumbai’s solid waste management approach, shifting from previous reliance on multiple agencies to a single-agency or fully municipal-managed system, including outsourcing only in a consolidated manner for citywide coverage [1][4].

Labour unions' concerns about privatization and job security were addressed by regularizing 8,000 contractual workers and ensuring no job losses among existing solid waste workers [1][4].

Civic teams will collect data related to waste management in Mumbai within a week. The data to be collected includes the name of the waste collection agency, monthly fees paid to external agencies, and copies of official agreements or related documents.

The updated policy aims to improve accountability and efficiency in Mumbai's waste management system. The BMC has also intensified its crackdown on illegal dumping, with fines of ₹10,000 imposed on caterers found dumping food waste illegally.

Previously, the BMC's efforts to make certain housing societies and commercial establishments segregate and compost waste have faced challenges post-covid. However, with this new policy, the BMC hopes to address these issues and move towards a more sustainable and efficient waste management system.

An official notice has been issued to all residential and commercial establishments regarding this change. The BMC encourages all establishments to comply with the new policy to ensure a cleaner and healthier Mumbai.

1. Residents and commercial establishments in Mumbai are advised to follow the new policy updates on news channels, as they now need to discontinue outsourcing waste collection and transportation to external agencies due to the BMC's direct control over solid waste management.
2. With the revised Mumbai news, lifestyle enthusiasts and home-and-garden enthusiasts can anticipate improvements in the city's cleanliness and waste management efficiencies, as the BMC is taking strict measures to address waste management issues and ensure compliance from bulk waste generators.

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