Sanjeev DevasiaMumbai:While the BMC has invited expressions of interest (EOI) from third-party agencies to help bulk waste generators (BWGs), including housing societies, hospitals and commercial establishments, to set up and operate decentralised, on-site wet waste processing systems, the civic body is also planning to allow establishments and societies that do not have adequate space for in-situ processing to tie up with nearby housing societies or establishments that have the required space. The BMC is also offering a property tax rebate of up to 15% to establishments undertaking in-situ waste processing. Meanwhile, 31 firms participated in the pre-bid meeting organised by the BMC as part of the EOI process. Of the 2,025 BWGs, including housing societies and commercial establishments, registered with the BMC, A-ward has the highest number at 263, followed by G-South and P-South wards.As per civic rules, housing societies and commercial establishments generating over 100 kg of wet waste daily, or a built-up area exceeding 20,000 square metres or having daily water consumption of 40,000 litres or more, have to set up an on-site waste processing system or hand over the waste to the BMC as of now.“However, there are many establishments and housing societies which are BWGs but do not have the space to set up waste processing units. So, we plan to allow establishments or housing societies to tie up with establishments that have the space to set up the waste processing system within their premises. The establishment providing the space will also be able to avail of the property tax rebate. The establishments or societies can form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) after identifying the appropriate technology for processing their wet waste,” said a civic official.Accordingly, the BMC floated an EOI to empanel third-party agencies that will assist societies and institutions with site assessments, technology selection, installation, operation and maintenance of waste processing systems, staff training, statutory compliance and linkage of dry waste with authorised recyclers.According to civic sources, 31 firms took part in the pre-bid meeting held after the BMC invited EOIs from qualified agencies to help BWGs set up and operate on-site waste processing systems, as part of an effort to reduce dependence on landfills and long-distance transportation of garbage. So far, the civic body has identified 3,177 BWGs across Mumbai, of which 2,025 are registered with the BMC. Many of these carry out various forms of waste processing using different methods. Under the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, all BWGs need to be registered. Therefore, the civic body is in the process of ensuring that all BWGs are registered through the BMC ward offices.
