This story is from December 17, 2017

Compost garbage to ease cess burden, pay 50% less: BBMP

Compost garbage to ease cess burden, pay 50% less: BBMP
If the cess is Rs 1,500, the establishment which is ready to compost waste will have to pay only Rs 750.
BENGALURU: The BBMP’s solid waste management wing, which is proposing to raise the cess for garbage disposal to 15% of property tax, is hoping to cushion the blow by offering a 50% waiver toestablishments composting waste on site.
“If the cess is Rs 1,500, but the establishment is segregating and composting wet waste, then it will have to pay only Rs 750. This is in the proposal stage right now, and will be discussed in the next council meeting,” Sarfaraz Khan, jointcommissioner, health and solid waste management, said.

This will apply to both individual houses and bulk generators. At present, the cess citizens pay is based on the square-foot size of their property, and is nominal. The cess collected works out to less than 10% of the Rs 700-Rs 800 crore that the BBMP uses on waste management.
“Similar proposals, such as providing waivers for bulk generators who compost waste on site, have been in the pipeline for years. However, reforms regarding solid waste management issues tend to get stuck in the council. It is unlikely that this proposal will be approved before the assembly elections,” N S Ramakanth, member, solid waste management expert committee, said.
“Now, garbage cess is a nominal amount. If it is hiked to 15%-20% of the property tax value, then people may be more inclined to segregate and compost at home. The BBMP must ensure effective implementation,” Shobha Rander, member, Bangalore Eco Team, said.
However, many citizens feel the hike in cess might not be matched by an increase in the quality of services provided.
Monitoring whether individuals really are composting their waste may be difficult; resident welfare associations and local officers will be able to verify the same, Khan added.

“The property tax amount is also self-declared, besides, if it comes to our notice that someone is claiming the waiver but not really composting, then we will fine them for a greater amount” he said.
“Its great that the BBMP is incentivising sustainable waste management practices, but these regulations must be implemented properly. RWAs are ready to support pracitices lies these, but the BBMP cannot expect us to monitor every house,” said Ashima Chander of the Citizens Welfare Association of Richmond and Langford Town.
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