Bengaluru Solid Waste Management (BSWML) is considering an overhaul of the city’s bulk waste management system by taking over collection of waste from bulk waste generators and subsequently handing it over to empanelled vendors for processing.
Karee Gowda, CEO of BSWML, confirmed to TOI the agency is exploring a model in which it would directly oversee collection.
We will intervene in the collection process and ensure the garbage is collected properly,” he said. The proposal, which is still at a conceptual stage, comes amid complaints from apartment associations and other bulk waste generators over limited vendor choice and pricing issues under the present system. The issue was recently discussed during a public consultation, where Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda assured stakeholders that a solution will be worked out. “We are planning to collect the bulk waste through BSWML and then give it to the empanelled vendor for processing at their facilities.
The 18% GST burden can be avoided, rates can be standardised, and there will be better oversight of vendors.
A govt-managed system can bring greater transparency and accountability,” said Satish Mallya of the Bengaluru Apartment Federation. Mallya said apartment communities have long maintained that a civic-body-led collection mechanism would help address disputes over rates. Apartment associations have welcomed the proposal. “If the government collects bulk waste and routes it to processing vendors, residents stand to benefit. Stakeholders believe the arrangement could give BSWML greater control over service quality and compliance. it signals that BSWML is looking at a larger role in waste collection amid growing demands for reforms in bulk waste management framework While the proposal remains in the planning stage.
However, Gowda clarified the proposal is still under consideration. The model is expected to be taken up only after the current tender period ends.