To curb environmental hazards stemming from the indiscriminate disposal of cigarette and beedi butts, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is embarking on a collaborative effort with cigarette manufacturers. The initiative aims to introduce separate bins for the collection of cigarette butts across the city, in line with guidelines set forth by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
BBMP’s Bangalore Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) has been tasked with coordinating with cigarette manufacturers to pilot the placement of bins at smoking hotspots. This move aligns with NGT directives for the scientific collection, transportation, and disposal of cigarette butts.
To further reinforce this initiative, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and the State Tobacco Control Cell, under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, are taking proactive measures. They plan to urge the Union Health and Family Welfare ministry to mandate the printing of disposal instructions on tobacco product packets.
Additionally, the tobacco control cell will establish a committee involving stakeholders such as the Directorate of Municipal Administration to formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the safe disposal of cigarette butts. Following the BBMP’s pilot project, this SOP will be implemented statewide.
Highlighting the environmental impact of cigarette and beedi butts, the KSPCB highlighted the need for their scientific and safe disposal. These butts, predominantly composed of slow/non-biodegradable plastic known as cellulose acetate, pose a significant challenge. Consequently, tobacco product manufacturers are urged to explore end-of-life methods like waste-to-energy or co-processing.
BBMP has reached out to leading cigarette manufacturer ITC Limited, seeking compliance with the pilot project and relevant regulations. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in regulatory action, as outlined under various provisions of the BBMP Act 2020, SWM by-laws 2020, hazardous waste rules 2016, and other pertinent legislation.
