Mumbai: BMC Considers Reducing Debris Collection Charges to Rs 200 to Boost ‘Debris-on-Call’ Service

Mumbai, 31st January 2025: With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ‘debris-on-call’ service receiving a lukewarm response over the past two months, despite setting up two processing plants for construction and demolition (C&D) waste, the civic body is now considering reducing the collection charges to ₹200 per tonne.

Currently, the BMC charges between ₹400 and ₹500 per tonne for debris collection—significantly higher than market rates, which generally fall between ₹200 and ₹250 per tonne.

According to data submitted to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Mumbai generates approximately 8,500 metric tonnes of C&D waste daily—surpassing the city’s daily garbage collection, which stands at around 6,500 metric tonnes.

To address this issue, the BMC established two waste processing plants—one in Dahisar and another in Shilphata—both operational since last year, each capable of handling 600 metric tonnes of debris per day.

Mumbai’s growing construction activity results in substantial waste, which is collected either through the ‘debris-on-call’ service, where residents can request waste pickup, or through BMC’s efforts to clear unclaimed debris across the city. Additionally, major infrastructure projects, such as Metro construction, contribute significantly to C&D waste.

Despite the operational processing plants, only 10,400 metric tonnes of waste have been treated in the last two months. Officials noted that while most processed debris was unclaimed material collected by the BMC, only 220 requests were made through the ‘debris-on-call’ facility.

To encourage greater participation, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Kiran Dighavkar stated that the BMC is considering lowering collection charges to ₹200.

“We are working on reducing the rates since unauthorized waste collectors offer much cheaper services. However, these informal operators often dump the debris illegally in mangroves or unauthorized locations. To ensure proper waste treatment and encourage residents to use C&D processing plants, we are exploring discounted rates for the next two to three years,” Dighavkar said during an event organized by ASAR on Thursday.

Currently, the existing plants process less than 10% of the city’s total C&D waste. To improve this, the BMC aims to expand its combined processing capacity to 1,500 metric tonnes per day.

Dighavkar also pointed out that unauthorized constructions significantly contribute to C&D waste. “While construction waste primarily comes from interior renovations, redevelopment projects, and infrastructure works, a major portion originates from illegal constructions in slum areas, where additional floors are unlawfully added to existing structures,” he explained.

Data from the BMC indicates that C&D waste accounts for nearly 30% of the legacy waste at the Deonar dumping ground.

During Thursday’s event, civic officials, doctors, and environmental scientists discussed the environmental and health impacts of C&D waste on air quality.

Dr Rakesh Kumar of the Society for Indoor Environment (SIE) highlighted that in developed nations like the UK and Australia, over 80% of C&D waste is recycled.

Consultant pulmonologist and epidemiologist Dr Lancelot Pinto warned of the severe health risks associated with construction dust exposure, linking it to cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infections, asthma, cardiovascular issues, autoimmune disorders, and various cancers, including stomach, rectal, and oesophagal cancer. He also noted that research suggests lung function in India is significantly lower—by more than one-third—compared to other countries.