The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing waste management practices by enlisting the services of 17 agencies to oversee the disposal of bulk waste generated at its source. This move comes as part of the civic body’s efforts to streamline waste management processes and promote responsible waste disposal practices.
Asha Raut, the head of PMC’s solid waste management department, emphasized that these firms were carefully selected through a thorough process. The involvement of these agencies will help housing societies and establishments efficiently manage their bulk waste disposal responsibilities.
The need for such an initiative arises from the fact that many housing societies and establishments express the desire to establish waste disposal units within their premises. However, they often lack the necessary expertise and contacts for proper guidance. The appointed firms will bridge this gap by providing the required knowledge, technology, and equipment for effective waste disposal.
PMC data reveals that approximately 150 housing societies have already taken the initiative to set up garbage processing units within their premises in the past two years. Although this process was temporarily halted, it is expected to resume in September, further emphasizing the importance of efficient waste management.
Guidelines established for solid waste management dictate that housing societies or commercial establishments generating more than 100kg of wet waste are categorized as bulk waste garbage generators. These entities are encouraged to process their wet waste on-site. PMC had announced earlier this year, in January, that it would cease collecting waste from bulk garbage generators who were already processing waste at their own level. However, concrete actions in this direction are yet to be implemented.
For housing societies and commercial establishments that do not undertake waste processing at the source, fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 are being imposed. Within the Pune municipal limits, there are approximately 4,500 bulk waste generators who fall under this category.
By collaborating with these 17 firms, PMC aims to facilitate a more efficient waste disposal system that not only reduces the burden on municipal services but also empowers local communities to take charge of their waste management responsibilities. This step aligns with the broader goal of promoting sustainable practices and creating a cleaner, more environmentally friendly city.
