Mumbai Households May Pay Up to ₹1,000 for Waste
In a move that could financially impact millions of Mumbai residents, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering levying a monthly solid waste management fee ranging from ₹100 to ₹1,000 per household. This proposal comes as part of a broader revision of the city’s waste management policies, sparking debate among citizens and civic activists over its fairness and legality.
The BMC has sought legal counsel on modifying the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act of 1888, under which solid waste management is classified as an obligatory civic service. A senior civic official confirmed that the administration is exploring how to legally implement this fee, as the existing framework mandates the BMC to provide waste collection services without direct charges to residents. “We’ve consulted legal experts to determine how the Act can be amended to introduce a fee structure,” the official said. The proposed fee structure is linked to the size of residential properties, with larger homes expected to incur higher charges. Commercial establishments, however, may face even steeper rates—ranging from ₹500 to ₹5,500 monthly—depending on their scale of operations.
The BMC justifies the move by citing the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016, issued by the Union Government, which allows local bodies to recover the costs associated with waste collection, transportation, and disposal. However, the proposal has met with public criticism. Dhaval Shah, founder of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association, questioned the rationale behind linking fees to property size rather than the actual volume of waste generated. “This model is flawed. Affluent areas often generate less waste per flat compared to high-density low-income areas. The fee should be based on waste output, not square footage,” Shah argued. Residents have also voiced their dissatisfaction. A resident of Fort, highlighted the BMC’s obligation to provide waste management services without imposing additional charges. “Solid waste collection is a civic duty. Why should we pay extra for a service that’s already funded through our property taxes?” he questioned.
The BMC’s proposal comes at a time when Mumbai generates over 7,000 tonnes of waste daily, placing immense pressure on the city’s waste management infrastructure. Officials argue that the user fee will help improve service efficiency, support sustainable waste practices, and reduce the financial burden on municipal coffers. While the proposal remains under review, the civic body’s attempt to amend the MMC Act could face legal and public hurdles. As Mumbai’s residents await further developments, the broader question looms—should essential civic services be monetised, or should the cost be absorbed through existing tax frameworks?
