Bengalureans! Get ready to shell out more as BBMP mulls garbage fee!

Bengaluru residents, already burdened by the recent hikes in Namma Metro fares, may soon face an additional expense. The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) has proposed a monthly user fee for garbage collection, aiming to generate Rs 600 crore annually. The fee structure varies based on property size, ranging from Rs 10 per month for homes under 600 sq ft to Rs 400 per month for properties over 4000 sq ft. 

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This proposed charge will significantly increase homeowners’ annual property tax burden. The revenue collected will be used to manage waste collection and disposal in the city. BSWML plans to submit the proposal to the Urban Development Department for approval,  and the fees may rise in the future. 

Meanwhile, Bengaluru is grappling with a severe waste management crisis following the closure of the Mittaganahalli garbage dumping site. Protests by the local residents have blocked nearly 600 garbage trucks from disposing of waste in nearby quarries, leading to mounting piles of trash across the city. Previously, 65% of Bengaluru’s waste was dumped in these quarries, but disruptions have hindered collection services in many areas. 

As the city struggles to address its waste crisis, residents now face the dual challenge of increased financial strain and worsening sanitation issues. The proposed user fee and the ongoing protests highlight the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions in Bengaluru.