Mumbai residents may soon have to pay a "user fee" for solid waste management. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering this new charge, similar to a "garbage tax." The fee will improve waste management services, adopt modern technology, and increase efficiency.
The proposed fee could generate INR 687 crore each year from residential properties alone. The BMC is seeking legal advice before moving forward. Once approved, the corporation will hold consultations with stakeholders to gather feedback and address concerns.
Implementing the user fee will require updating Mumbai’s solid waste management bye-laws. These regulations have not changed since 2006. Over the years, solid waste management rules in India have evolved.
The Centre introduced comprehensive Solid Waste Management Rules in 2016. In 2019, the Maharashtra government released updated bye-laws under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949. However, Mumbai still follows the Greater Mumbai Cleanliness and Sanitation Bye-laws, 2006, under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888.
The new draft bye-laws will follow national and state regulations. They will also include rules for managing e-waste, biomedical waste, plastic waste, and construction and demolition debris.
The BMC has proposed a fee structure for residential units. Properties up to 50 square meters will be charged INR 100 per month. Those between 50 and 300 square meters will pay INR 500, while units exceeding 300 square meters will be charged INR 1,000 monthly. Commercial establishments, clinics, cottage industries, and event venues will have different fees, starting at a minimum of INR 500.
Mumbai generates 7,500 tonnes of solid waste daily. The city’s per capita spending on waste management is INR 3,141. This is almost double that of Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Pune. These cities already charge user fees for waste management.
The new draft bye-laws will introduce higher fines for violations. Offences include littering, spitting, urinating, and defecating in public. Fines will also apply to not segregating waste, dumping debris without permission, hawking without a waste bin, and not maintaining house gullies.
A complaint redressal system will also be introduced. Anyone with a grievance can file a complaint with the assistant commissioner of their ward within 30 days.
After gathering feedback from stakeholders and considering objections, the revised draft bye-laws will be submitted to the state legislative assembly. These changes will amend the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888.
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