Definition and Purpose

• SWM Cess: A user fee levied by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
• Purpose: To cover the costs of providing solid waste management (SWM) services, which include waste collection, transportation, processing, and disposal.

Levying Mechanism

• Current Rates: Typically, ULBs charge ₹30-50 per month per household.
• Proposed Changes: Revision of rates and higher charges for bulk waste generators to meet increasing SWM costs.

How has the SWM Cess Fared So Far and Why has it Hit the Headlines Suddenly?

Current Performance

• Revenue Generation: ULBs collect minimal revenue from SWM services (e.g., Bengaluru collects ₹20 lakh annually).
• Budget Allocation: Large cities spend a significant portion of their budget on SWM (Bengaluru spends ₹1,643 crore annually).

Recent Developments

• BBMP Proposal: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike (BBMP) proposed a new SWM cess of ₹100 per household per month.
• Public Reaction: The proposal has sparked debate and criticism among residents and stakeholders.

How has Bengaluru Been Handling Its Solid Waste Management and What is About to Change?

Current Waste Management Practices

• Waste Generation: Each resident generates about 0.6 kg of waste per day, with the city producing around 5,000 tonnes of solid waste daily.
• Infrastructure: Approximately 5,000 door-to-door waste collection vehicles, 600 compactors, and 20,000 Paurakarmikas involved.
• Components: SWM services include collection and transportation (85-90% of the budget) and processing and disposal (10-15%).

Challenges

• Waste Composition: 55-60% wet biodegradable and 40-45% non-biodegradable. Minimal recyclable material (1-2%).
• Financial Viability: Composting and biogas generation have low yields (10-12%) and are not financially viable without subsidies.
• Operational Challenges: Clearing open points, preventing littering, dealing with seasonal waste changes, and managing non-compostable dry waste.

Proposed Changes

• New Cess: The proposed ₹100 per month cess aims to address financial challenges.
• Efficiency Measures: Strategies include segregation at source, reducing single-use plastics, decentralised composting, public education, and requiring bulk waste generators to process their own waste.

Conclusion

• Debate on Cess: The BBMP’s proposal for a higher SWM cess has highlighted the complex and resource-intensive nature of waste management in large cities like Bengaluru.
• Financial and Operational Struggles: ULBs face significant challenges in covering the costs of SWM services.
• Potential Solutions: Implementing efficient waste management practices and balanced user charges can help make urban areas cleaner and more sustainable.