Have queries about composting, waste segregation? Call Mumbai civic body’s helplines

The Mumbai civic body has deployed two officials from the solid waste management (SWM) department in each of the city’s 24 wards

The October 2 deadline, by which residents must segregate their waste, is nearing. With this in mind, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put out a list of helpline numbers, which people can use to seek clarity on waste segregation and composting techniques.

The BMC recently held an exhibition, in which more than 70 small companies displayed products that can compost wet waste.(HT)

In July, the BMC had stated that if bulk generators did not start composting wet waste, the civic body would not pick up garbage from their premises.

So far, the BMC has issued close to 5,000 notices to bulk generators, including those whose premises are larger than 20,000 sqm and those who produce more than 100kg wet waste a day.

The BMC has deployed two officials from the solid waste management (SWM) department in each of the city’s 24 wards. A senior civic official said citizens can contact their ward office for help. “The numbers will soon be put up on the BMC website. We also plan to put out information on the mechanisms that can be used to compost waste and the contacts of companies who sell such products,” he added.

The BMC recently held an exhibition, in which more than 70 small companies displayed products that can compost wet waste. 

Senior civic officials said that the Central government has issued a circular, stating that fertiliser companies in the vicinity are expected to buy residents’ compost.

 Till the beginning of 2017, Mumbai produced 8,722 metric tonnes of waste a day, which the BMC is trying to reduce to 6,789 metric tonnes by September-end.