Residents of Bengaluru are bracing themselves for an additional tax for garbage collection, as the Bengaluru Waste Management Company has obtained government approval to introduce a garbage collection fee, which will be levied along with property tax. This decision comes after the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) declined to include the garbage tax in electricity bills.
Under the new regulation, residential buildings will face a flat rate of Rs. 100 per month, while commercial buildings will be charged Rs. 200 per month. However, certain houses in designated slum areas will be exempt from these charges.
Initially, the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) contemplated charging based on the volume of waste generated. However, to simplify the process, they have settled on a fixed rate. For commercial users, a detailed proposal has been outlined, wherein fees will be determined based on the kilograms of waste produced daily, ranging from Rs. 500 for 5 kg of waste to Rs. 14,000 for up to 100 kg of waste. Moreover, vacant plots will incur a fee of Rs. 20 per square foot.
While this fee structure aims to streamline waste management funding and ensure fair distribution of costs among residents and commercial entities, it has sparked debate among citizens. Many are questioning the justification behind the additional charges and the potential impact on household expenses. Nevertheless, the BBMP remains optimistic that these measures will enhance the efficiency of waste collection and disposal in Bengaluru.
