The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has rolled out a new fleet of leak-proof waste transportation trucks. These advanced vehicles are designed to eliminate the persistent issue of waste and leachate leaking from garbage trucks, a common sight on the city’s streets. The introduction of these trucks marks a strategic move by the BBMP to enhance the efficiency and hygiene of waste transportation, particularly from the Koramangala transfer station to the Mittaganahalli landfill.
The newly introduced trucks feature cylindrical containers specifically engineered to prevent leakage, addressing a major flaw in the existing waste compactors. These containers not only ensure that no waste or liquid escapes during transportation but also contain foul odours, significantly improving the overall sanitation of the waste disposal process. The BBMP’s initiative aligns with its broader goal of modernising the city’s waste management infrastructure.
Currently, seven of these high-capacity trucks are in operation within the city. Each truck is capable of carrying up to 20 tonnes of mixed waste, a significant improvement over the current compactors, which have a capacity of only 8 to 10 tonnes. This increased capacity means that the BBMP can reduce the number of waste transportation vehicles by half—from 600 compactors to approximately 300 of these new trucks. The efficiency gains are expected to translate into cost savings, as fewer trips will be required to transport the same amount of waste, reducing the operational costs paid to contractors.
The transition to these leak-proof trucks, however, has not been without challenges. The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) has encountered resistance from some contractors who stand to lose from the new system. These contractors, who are currently compensated based on the number of trips made by the compactors, may see a reduction in income as the new trucks are more efficient and require fewer trips. The situation has escalated to the point where the new waste management tender has been taken to the High Court. Despite the legal hurdles, the BBMP remains confident that the court’s decision will favour the adoption of the new system, allowing for the complete phase-out of the old compactors in favour of the more advanced trucks.
The BBMP’s decision to adopt these leak-proof trucks represents a forward-thinking approach to urban waste management, reflecting a commitment to both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. As Bengaluru continues to grow, the need for effective and reliable waste management solutions becomes increasingly critical. By investing in modern, high-capacity vehicles, the BBMP is not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the groundwork for a cleaner and more sustainable city.
