In today’s newspapers, representatives from several apartments in Bangalore, which have been classified as ‘bulk generators’ (BGs), have severely criticised the BBMP’s latest move to slap them with a fine of Rs 25,000-Rs 50,000 if they fail to manage their own waste and compost wet waste.

While it is justifiable that we expect the civic authority to manage our waste because we sincerely pay our taxes and also the BBMP contractors to take it away and dump it in landfills, we have to think seriously and analyse whether this in itself works as a means to a meaningful end.

Bangalore’s garbage issue is way out of BBMP’s control

The ever-increasing population influx, consumerism that promotes wrong packaging methods which are non-biodegradable (but most of them recyclable) and people’s incorrigible “Not-in-my-backyard (Nimby)” attitude have brought Bangalore to its brink. Two major landfills—Mavallipura and the currently operational Mandur—have been bearing the brunt through poisoned soil, water sources and extremely polluted air. All this pollution is coming back to poison the whole well and we are already drinking from it.

If we refuse to educate ourselves, the government’s ever-manic pursuit of new landfills will never end. In another decade, we will have the entire city and its beautiful surroundings turned into a trash can beyond redemption. If we act now, there is still hope.

All types of waste streams can be managed easily

First, it’s high time the BGs—any apartment complex with 50 or more units, hotels and other commercial establishments—stopped looking at garbage as a monumental issue. Many practical solutions have emerged over the last few years to compost wet and garden waste at source.

Hasiru Dala offers at-your-doorstep services for all types of streams by picking up segregated waste at a cost and processes it scientifically.

For dry waste, ITC and most recently, Kuppathotti, buy your segregated dry waste for recycling at a decent price. Earlier, ITC used to reject certain waste types which had no recycling value. Of late, they are taking away even themocol and multi-layered packaging material like Kurkure and Lays which has little value. If you prefer disposing segregated dry waste to a nearby collection centre, then please explore this I Got Garbage map. If you still cannot get it going, shoot a mail to Kasamuktha Bellandur. They will show the way.

As far sanitary waste, the city has two designated destinations—Semb-Ramky and Maridi—who will help you dispose it of scientifically by incinerating it.

Likewise, there are solutions to every problem we are facing. What’s missing is our will power to act.

Stay tuned for more posts on community composting methods and solid waste management solutions.

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