Dump it, get it back: BSWML returns waste to homes of litterbugs in Bengaluru

In an effort to eliminate blackspots in the city, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) began tracing and returning illegally dumped waste to the households responsible.

Karee Gowda, Chief Executive Officer of BSWML, told The Hindu that 190 households across the city had been identified, and the waste they had discarded was returned to them on October 30 as part of an awareness and enforcement campaign.

Although the exercise was a pilot initiative, Mr. Gowda said the drive would continue once every week. Habitual offenders are being fined between ₹500 and ₹5,000, depending on the frequency of violations, location, and amount of waste dumped.

According to BSWML, marshals were deployed and instructed to record habitual waste dumpers on video in areas with persistent blackspot issues. Based on these videos, officials identified and categorised offenders according to the frequency of their actions. The repeat offenders were then traced, and the waste they had dumped was returned to their households under official supervision.

Mr. Gowda said the use of video evidence by marshals was to ensure proof while returning the waste. Going forward, the agency plans to accept videos from the public as well to strengthen enforcement and improve accountability.

The waste management agency will also review CCTV footage of repeat offenders wherever available. It has already been tracing vehicles and levying fines on individuals who illegally dump waste.

While many residents have expressed support for the initiative, it has also drawn criticism.

A resident of Ejipura in southeast Bengaluru said that irregular waste collection in her area leads to garbage piling up.

“I live with my colleague. We both leave home around 7.30 a.m. On some days, the waste collection vehicle arrives at 7 a.m., but other days, it comes around 8.30 a.m., when we’re already gone,” she said, adding that people are left with no option but to dump waste by the roadside.

City down in Swachh Survekshan rankings

The campaign follows sharp criticism of the agency for failing to curb blackspots and poor enforcement. BSWML also came under government scrutiny after the city’s poor performance in this year’s Swachh Survekshan rankings.

Since taking charge, the new CEO, Mr. Gowda, has launched several initiatives, starting with strict enforcement against single-use plastic. The agency has begun removing discarded furniture from roads and footpaths. Additionally, it has installed a waste kiosk in Koramangala, and plans to expand the initiative soon.