SWM’s Rs 12 waste fee: Hoteliers say no way

User fee to be imposed on large waste producers lacking on-site composting systems; industry groups express concerns, citing space limitations and calling for more support from BBMP

In a significant move to streamline solid waste management in Bengaluru, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) has decided to levy a user fee of `12 per kilogram of waste on apartments, hotels, community halls, and buildings constructed on plots of 5,000 sq ft or more without an in-house waste processing system. BSWML has issued notices to over 2,000 large waste generators, including hotels, apartments, and community halls that produce more than 100 kg of waste daily. The notice mandates these establishments to clear outstanding dues from April 2024 and comply with the waste management regulations within seven days.

Eliminating middlemen

According to BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) Special Commissioner Harish Kumar, the new system aims to address inefficiencies caused by middlemen who collect waste from these establishments and transfer it to BBMP’s vehicles and waste management units. This has worsened the city’s waste problem, adversely affecting the environment and public health. The move mandates large-scale waste producers to establish their composting facilities or partner directly with waste service providers.

Pushback from apartments and hotels

The new fee structure has sparked a backlash from associations representing hotels and apartments. PC Rao, Honorary President of the Bruhat Bengaluru Hotel Owners’ Association, stated, “Hotels are already reeling under increased electricity and water tariffs. The additional `12 per kg fee will further burden us, increasing monthly costs by up to `50,000. This fee is excessive and unscientific. We urge BSWML to reconsider.” A representative of the Residents’ Welfare Association said, “This steep user fee, introduced without discussions or room for objections, is unacceptable. It must be rolled back.”

Compliance and fee structure

Under existing regulations, buildings over 5,000 sq ft and establishments generating more than 100 kg of waste daily are required to manage and process their waste on-site using composting systems. However, many fail to comply with these rules. To enforce compliance, BSWML has proposed a fee structure where non-compliant entities pay `12 per kg for waste management, while those with composting facilities pay a reduced fee of `3 per kg. BBMP further clarified that the user fee is a temporary measure until all large waste producers establish their own processing facilities. Harish Kumar stressed, “This step is essential to ensure proper waste management and minimise environmental harm. Establishments must take responsibility for their waste until they have operational composting systems.”

This step is to ensure proper waste management. Establishments must take responsibility for their waste– Harish Kumar, BBMP

Industry demands more support

Hotel associations argue that setting up composting facilities on-site is highly impractical due to limited space constraints. They have requested BBMP to allocate suitable land for centralised waste processing units and provide an adequate grace period to implement these systems effectively.