Bengaluru SWM Fee: An Overview

Starting April 1, 2025, property owners in Bengaluru will face an additional charge in their property tax bills—a new user fee dedicated to solid waste management (SWM). This initiative is part of the city's broader strategy to enhance waste collection and disposal processes. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) aims to collect ₹685 crore from this SWM user fee during the current fiscal year, with aspirations to generate up to ₹750 crore annually, alongside other revenues[1][3].

Why the SWM Fee?

The introduction of the SWM fee aligns with the "polluter pays" principle, emphasizing that residents and businesses should contribute financially to the waste management services they use. This approach is also part of the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0, which encourages improved sanitation and hygiene across urban areas in India[2][5].

Fee Structure Based on Property Size

The SWM user fee varies depending on the built-up area of residential properties:

• Up to 600 sq ft: ₹10 per month
• 600–1,000 sq ft: ₹50 per month
• 1,000–2,000 sq ft: ₹100 per month
• 2,000–3,000 sq ft: ₹150 per month
• 3,000–4,000 sq ft: ₹200 per month
• Above 4,000 sq ft: ₹400 per month[1][2][4]

For non-residential properties, the fees are steeper:

• Up to 1,000 sq ft: ₹2,000 per month
• 1,000–2,000 sq ft: ₹6,000 per month
• 2,001–5,000 sq ft: ₹14,000 per month
• 5,001–10,000 sq ft: ₹38,000 per month
• 10,001–20,000 sq ft: ₹70,000 per month
• 20,001–50,000 sq ft: ₹1.5 lakh per month
• 50,001–1 lakh sq ft: ₹2.7 lakh per month
• 1 lakh–2 lakh sq ft: ₹5 lakh per month
• 2 lakh–5 lakh sq ft: ₹13 lakh per month
• Above 5 lakh sq ft: ₹35 lakh per month[5]

Bulk Waste Generators

Bulk waste generators, such as large commercial establishments, face additional charges if they fail to implement in-situ waste processing. They will pay ₹12 per kilogram of waste, while those adopting in-situ composting will receive a rebate of ₹3 per kilogram. This encourages sustainable waste management practices among larger businesses and institutions[1][2].

Infrastructure Development

To enhance Bengaluru's waste management infrastructure, the city has allocated ₹1,400 crore to Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML). Key projects include:

• 27 Transfer Stations: To manage black spots across Bengaluru.
• Material Recovery Facility: With a processing capacity of 1,226 metric tonnes per day (MTPD) at a cost of ₹104 crore.
• Bio-CNG Units: A 50 MTPD unit and a 300 MTPD plant in collaboration with the Gas Authority of India Limited.
• Biomethanisation Plants: Four plants are planned to improve organic waste management.
• Sanitary Waste Facilities: Three facilities with a capacity of 25 MTPD each.
• Plastic and E-Waste Unit: A pilot project for processing plastic and e-waste at a capacity of 5 tonnes per day[1][2].

Legacy Waste Management

A significant portion of the allocated funds will be used to manage legacy waste at sites like Mandur-2 and Mavallipura. Approximately ₹187 crore will be dedicated to handling 39.07 lakh tonnes of waste in these areas. Additionally, the state government will treat accumulated leachate at landfills, enhancing environmental safety[2].

Public Reaction

While some residents support the initiative for better waste management, others have expressed concern about the additional financial burden. Critics argue that BBMP should provide clearer transparency on how funds are being utilized and improve existing services before imposing new fees[5].

Future of Waste Management in Bengaluru

The annual escalation of the SWM fee starting from the 2026-27 fiscal year, as per state government guidelines, indicates a commitment to ongoing improvements in waste management. However, it also highlights the need for continuous assessment to ensure these efforts are effective and financially sustainable for residents[5].

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