How to segregate your domestic waste and avoid being fined

By Qamar ZJ

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) made garbage segregation mandatory in 2017. However, visitors to the city are unaware of the rules, leading to largescale violations. This has prompted the BBMP garbage contractors to publicise the three types of waste segregation required by law. If you don’t follow the guidelines, you could be fined by up to Rs 25000. There are also plans to increase the fine amount to deter repeat offenders. As the waste segregation in the city stands at 40%, last week, the BBMP began a pilot project in Govindrajnagar where waste will be segregated at the ward level into wet, dry and sanitary before being disposed off by auto-tippers fitted with GPS. Within three months, the idea is to ensure 100% segregation and zero garbage black spots.

How to segregate the waste

“We noticed that people are putting 1 food parcel containers with left out food into dry waste,” says one garbage supervisor in HSR Layout. “We are asking all the residents to put the leftover food into the wet bin and ensure that only clean dry waste is given. If dry waste is soiled, it cannot be recycled. Kindly discuss with your families to avoid penalties from the BBMP. Dry waste should be clean and dry.”

Besides, the BBMP officials are asking you to follow these guidelines:

• Diapers and sanitary pads should not be kept in the dry waste bin.
• Any biodegradable waste, such as road side leaves and pooja flowers, should not be part of dry waste.
• Any dirt after bathroom cleaning should come in ‘reject waste’ in a separate container.
• What about construction debris? You will have to arrange an empanelled vendor to do it for you at your cost. It’s not the BBMP’s responsibility. Similarly, if you have e-waste in bulk, you have to again do it through qualified vendors. If you live in HSR Layout, here is where you can drop off your stuff.
• If you have more queries like ways to dispose off dog poop, alternatives to plastic liners, garden waste, cosmetics, waxing strips, paint boxes, razors, brooms, old clothes, perhaps you could check out the FAQs section of the BBMP.

For the complete list of what should go in each of the three bins, this image should be self-explanatory.

The fines for various offences

Violation / Penalty for 1st Offence / Penalty for 2nd offence

Littering/spitting/urinating in public places – Rs 200 – Rs 1000

Non-segregation of waste by domestic occupier – Rs 200 – Rs 1000

Non-segregation of waste by bulk generator/commercial complex – Rs 1000 – Rs 5000

Failure to comply with public cleanliness directions – Rs 200 – Rs 1000

Irregular deposit of any solid waste – Rs 200 – Rs 1000

Dumping of building waste irregularly – Rs 5000 – Rs 25000

Allowing filth to flow to the streets – Rs 200 – Rs 1000