Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s attempt to scientifically manage over 100 tonnes of animal waste generated every day could end up increasing the price of chicken and meat, according to traders who have announced a two-day shutdown on Sept 3 and 4 against the city’s new waste collection charges.The Karnataka Poultry Traders Association (KPTA) has opposed Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd’s (BSWML) decision to charge meat shops for collection and processing of animal waste, arguing that the cost will eventually be passed on either to consumers or poultry farmers.Traders say a typical chicken shop in Bengaluru sells between 30 kg and 40 kg of chicken on weekdays, with sales crossing 60 kg during weekends. With thousands of such shops operating across the city, the industry fears that the cumulative impact of the new charges could significantly increase operating costs.Under the new framework, licensed meat, poultry and fish shops must hand over waste only to BSWML-authorised agencies. The civic body has fixed collection charges of Rs 5 per kg for animal waste and Rs 3 per kg for bone waste. The waste will then be transported and processed by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board-certified facilities.The system is part of BSWML’s larger effort to bring Bengaluru’s animal waste under a formal tracking mechanism. The agency has geo-mapped 5,194 meat, poultry and fish shops and estimates that the city generates nearly 106.5 tonnes of animal waste every day.However, traders question why they should pay for collection when the waste itself has commercial value.“Animal waste is not ordinary garbage. Processors can convert it into poultry meal, bone meal and other by-products. The waste has economic value. If someone is earning from the waste, why should traders pay such high collection charges?” association members said.The association fears that if the charges are not revised, traders will eventually have only two options: increase retail meat prices or reduce the prices paid to poultry farmers and suppliers.“This is not just a trader issue. The impact will be felt across the value chain—from farmers to consumers,” a representative said.The association has already approached BSWML CEO Karigowda seeking a revision of the rates. However, traders claim they were informed that the tender process had been completed and that altering the pricing structure may not be possible.While BSWML maintains that the initiative is necessary to prevent illegal dumping and ensure scientific disposal of animal waste, traders argue that the city should not shift the entire cost of compliance onto shop owners.Numbers Behind the DisputeBengaluru’s Meat EconomyTotal mapped meat, poultry and fish shops: 5,194Estimated animal waste generated daily: 106.5 tonnesAverage chicken sold per shop: 30–40 kg/dayWeekend sales: 60+ kg/dayNew ChargesAnimal waste: ₹5/kgBone waste: ₹3/kgWhy Traders Are UpsetWaste has resale valueProcessors can earn from by-productsAdditional compliance costFear of higher meat pricesFear of lower returns for poultry farmers
