Introduction

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced a new user fee for garbage collection, bundled with the property tax, aiming to generate ₹650–700 crore annually. This move aligns with national waste management policies like the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules 2016 and Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. However, while the policy promises financial sustainability and improved infrastructure, it faces significant issues related to implementation, fairness, and public trust.

Potential Benefits of BBMP's Garbage Collection Fee

• Increased Revenue for Waste Management

  • The fee could generate ₹650–700 crore per year, funding 27 transfer stations and a material recovery facility handling 1,226 MT/day.

• Compliance with National Frameworks

  • Aligns with SWM Rules, 2016, SBM 2.0, and Star Rating Protocol, strengthening Bengaluru’s waste governance.

• Support for Infrastructure Expansion

  • Funds will aid the setup of new vehicles, expansion of collection networks, and integrated SWM facilities.

• Pourakarmika Welfare

  • Budget allocations ensure salaries under the 7th Pay Commission, benefitting 12,000 pourakarmikas and enhancing their livelihood security.

• Promotion of Modern Waste Solutions

  • Proposed CBG plants and high-tech transfer points could lead to sustainable, long-term waste management if supported financially.

• Reduction of Dependence on State Grants

  • With state grants reducing sharply (from ₹330 crore to ₹52 crore by 2025-26), the user fee helps bridge funding gaps.

Drawbacks and Challenges

• Technical and Administrative Issues

  • Residents reported incorrect fee amounts and glitches on the BBMP portal, causing frustration and confusion.

• Burden on Citizens

  • Individuals already paying private contractors, like Ramesh's case, face additional charges, leading to double billing.

• Flawed Exemption Criteria

  • Exemptions for bulk waste generators depend on inspections, potentially enabling corruption and discouraging independent composters.

• Unfair Fee Assessment

  • The use of built-up area for calculating the fee ignores household size and waste generation realities; citizens suggest using census data instead.

• Corruption Risks and Weak Enforcement

  • Without robust checks, the system may foster misuse during inspections and verifications.

• Public Discontent and Lack of Consultation

  • With no elected council since 2020, citizens feel excluded from key waste management decisions.

• Failure to Implement Decentralised Waste Systems

  • Despite High Court directions in 2017, BBMP continues a centralised model, delaying the shift to localised, efficient waste management.

• High Costs and Budget Inefficiencies

  • Despite a huge SWM budget (₹2,441 crore for 2025–26), a large chunk (30%) goes to administrative overheads, and grants to BSWML absorb another 60%.

• Alternative Models Underexplored

  • Options like CBG plants face hurdles like land acquisition issues and public resistance, delaying sustainable practices.

Conclusion

BBMP’s introduction of a garbage collection user fee marks a significant step towards financial sustainability and infrastructure development for Bengaluru's waste management system. It aligns with national mandates and promises systemic improvements. However, its effectiveness is undermined by technical glitches, unfair billing practices, weak exemption systems, and lack of citizen engagement. Unless BBMP addresses these shortcomings through transparent processes, inclusive decision-making, and fairer fee structures, the user fee could end up being another burden on residents rather than a catalyst for cleaner, more efficient waste management in the city.