Nearly after two decades the BMC has proposed a revisions to the Solid Waste Management (SWM) bye-laws of 2006, including the introduction of a ‘User Fee’ for garbage collection. This fee will be determined based on property size, usage, type, and waste generation patterns. Additionally, a new fine of Rs. 500 has been introduced for washing vehicles on roads. The new draft bye-laws will also raise the penalties for offences such as littering, spitting, urinating, defecating and bathing in open spaces. Notably, the fine for burning waste has seen a hike, soaring from Rs. 100 to Rs. 10,000.
According to civic officials, implementing a user fee aligns with the SWM Rules, 2016, issued by the central government. The new draft rules proposes to charge the following monthly fees for residential units: Rs. 100 for a unit up to 50 sq m; Rs. 500 for areas up to 300 sq m; and Rs. 1,000 for those over 300 sq m. The commercial establishments, shops, eating places such as Dhaba, sweet shops and coffee house etc will be charged Rs. 500. While the private and government offices, bank, coaching classes and educational institutions will be charged Rs. 750, marriage and festival halls, exhibition and fairs with area up to 3000 sq.m. will have to pay Rs. 7,500 for waste collection.
The Bye-laws, 2006 primarily focused on waste collection and removal but did not place enough emphasis on waste minimisation. Although the original bye-laws recommended waste segregation, it was not effectively enforced. A senior civic official said, “The revised bye-laws will now make waste segregation at source mandatory, with clear categorisation of wet, dry, and hazardous waste. To ensure compliance and reduce the burden on landfills, the revised rules include strict penalties for failing to segregate waste. Additionally, hefty fines are proposed for illegal dumping, open burning, and improper waste handling. Repeat offenders will face higher penalties, and there are provisions for legal action if necessary.”
The city generates 6,500 metric tons of solid waste daily, which is primarily transported to the Kanjurmarg landfill, with a smaller portion sent to Deonar. The BMC expects to generate about Rs 687 crore in revenue from this user fee, which will be charged per unit. This estimate is based on the 5.9 lakh properties that have been assessed for property tax in Mumbai. Meanwhile, the draft of Bye-laws will be published on BMC’s Website on Tuesday. The civic body has invited suggestions and objections on the revised bye-laws from the citizens between April 1 to May 31.
