Mumbai: In a push to reduce the city’s dependence on landfills and long-distance transportation of garbage, the BMC has launched a decentralised waste processing mission under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.As part of the initiative, the BMC has also invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from technically qualified agencies to help Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) set up and operate on-site waste processing systems.The initiative seeks to ensure that biodegradable waste generated by housing societies, institutions, hospitals, and commercial establishments is scientifically processed at source, while dry waste is channelled only to authorised recyclers. To encourage compliance, the BMC has announced a property tax rebate of up to 15% for housing societies that scientifically process wet waste within their premises and adhere to BMC guidelines.Civic officials said the move is aimed at reducing waste transportation, improving segregation and recycling, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a circular economy.The BMC has identified 3,177 BWGs across Mumbai, of which 2,025 have already been registered with it. Officials said 513 properties have earmarked space for installing decentralised waste processing units.Further to facilitate implementation, the BMC has floated an EOI to empanel third-party agencies that will assist societies and institutions with site assessments, technology selection, installation, operation and maintenance of waste processing systems, staff training, statutory compliance and linkage of dry waste with authorised recyclers. The civic body said all proposed technologies will undergo technical evaluation before approval.According to the EOI notice, interested agencies can procure tender documents from August 1. Queries and comments can be submitted until August 7, when a pre-bid meeting will also be held. The last date for submission of the EOI is August 14.Civic officials said the initiative if successful could significantly reduce the burden on Mumbai’s waste collection, transportation and disposal infrastructure while accelerating the city’s transition towards a circular economy.“The future of waste management lies not in transporting waste across the city, but in processing it where it is generated,” a BMC oficial said, urging housing societies, commercial establishments and institutions to participate in the initiative.
