Bengaluru’s bulk waste collection system could move under direct civic oversight, with Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) considering taking over collection from apartment complexes and other bulk waste generators before routing the waste to empanelled processors.
The proposal is still at the conceptual stage and is expected to be considered only after the current tender period ends. BSWML chief executive officer Karee Gowda confirmed that the agency is exploring a model in which it would intervene directly in collection while continuing to use empanelled vendors for processing.
“We are planning to collect the bulk waste through BSWML and then give it to the empanelled vendor for processing at their facilities. We will intervene in the collection process and ensure the garbage is collected properly,” Gowda told The Times of India.
The proposed change follows complaints from apartment associations and other bulk waste generators about limited vendor choice and disagreements over charges under the existing arrangement. BSWML currently has four empanelled vendors for bulk waste collection and processing: Sustainable Impacts, MSGP Infratech, Mukka Proteins and Swaccha Eco Solutions.
Bulk waste generators have been directed to work with authorised vendors, a policy intended to remove unauthorised waste collectors from the system. However, apartment associations have argued that the limited number of empanelled vendors has created a monopoly-like situation and have sought the inclusion of more service providers.
Pricing has been a central concern. The Karnataka government has capped wet waste collection charges at Rs 12 per kg, but negotiations over final rates and additional service charges have largely remained between vendors and bulk waste generators. The issue was discussed during a recent public consultation, where Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda assured stakeholders that a solution would be worked out.
Apartment associations have welcomed the possibility of a civic-body-led collection model. Satish Mallya of the Bengaluru Apartment Federation said residents could benefit if the government collected waste and routed it to processing vendors. According to Mallya, the arrangement could avoid the 18% GST burden, standardise rates and provide stronger oversight of vendors.
A direct collection role would give BSWML greater involvement in the part of the waste chain that currently sits between bulk generators and processing facilities. The agency would oversee collection, while empanelled vendors would continue to process the waste at their facilities under the proposed arrangement.
The proposal does not yet represent a final policy decision or an immediate change for apartment communities. BSWML has indicated that the model will be taken up after the existing tender period ends. Until then, bulk waste generators will continue to operate under the current system of engaging authorised empanelled vendors.
