Mumbai: BMC Initiates Underground Garbage Bins in Hospitals to Tackle Odor and Stray Animal Issues

Mumbai, 7th December 2023: In a proactive step towards waste management, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to install underground garbage bins in hospitals across the city. The decision stems from concerns regarding the unpleasant odour emanating from traditional garbage bins and the challenges posed by stray animals in BMC hospitals. Initially, this innovative waste disposal method will be piloted in 15 hospitals, with plans for city-wide implementation following its success.

The cleanliness of BMC hospitals has been a contentious issue, prompting the need for innovative solutions. Dr Sudhakar Shinde, Additional Commissioner, has underscored the importance of maintaining cleanliness within the hospital premises. Presently, waste is disposed of in bins on hospital grounds during three cleaning sessions, contributing to foul odours and attracting stray animals, causing inconvenience to patients and their relatives.

The concept of underground garbage bins was successfully experimented with in Ward A a year ago. Encouraged by the positive results, BMC officials have decided to extend the initiative to hospitals across Mumbai city and suburbs.

The implementation of underground garbage bins aims to address two primary concerns – the persistent odour around traditional bins and the disturbance caused by stray animals. The enclosed nature of the underground bins is expected to contain odors effectively, while also minimizing the attraction of animals, enhancing the overall cleanliness and hygiene of BMC hospital premises.

Following the successful implementation in the initial 15 hospitals, BMC plans to expand the use of underground garbage bins to all BMC hospitals in the city. The move aligns with the municipality’s commitment to fostering a cleaner and more hygienic healthcare environment for patients and staff.