Understanding Solid Waste Management for Apartment Complexes: A Comprehensive Guide
The management of solid waste is a crucial aspect of maintaining a clean and sustainable environment, especially for apartment complexes. The Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules 2016, along with the BBMP Bye-laws, provide a comprehensive framework for waste management in Bangalore. This guide aims to educate residents and Management Committees (MCs) of apartment complexes about their responsibilities and best practices.
- Segregation of Waste (Page 13)
- (a) Bio-degradable Waste: Includes organic waste like kitchen scraps and garden waste.
“Bio-degradable waste means any organic material that can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water, methane or simple organic molecules by micro-organisms and other living things using composting, aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion or similar processes.”
- (b) Non-Biodegradable Waste: Encompasses recyclables like paper, plastic, metal, and glass.
- (c) Domestic Hazardous Waste: Comprises sanitary waste, used diapers, and similar items.
- (a) Bio-degradable Waste: Includes organic waste like kitchen scraps and garden waste.
- On-site Processing (Page 52)
- (a) Composting: Convert bio-degradable waste into compost.
“Bulk generators shall process the waste by composting or bio-methanation within the premises as far as possible.”
- (b) Recycling: Ensure recyclables are handed over to authorized agencies.
- (c) Treatment: Manage waste on-site before handing it over for disposal.
- (a) Composting: Convert bio-degradable waste into compost.
- Bulk Waste Generators’ Responsibilities (Page 52)
- (a) Self-Declaration: Declare if they fall within the bulk waste generator category.
- (b) Implementation: Adhere to the SWM Rules 2016 and the Bye-laws.
- Waste Collection and Transportation (Page 19)
- (a) Authorized Waste Processors: Engage with them for waste management services.
- (b) Regular Collection: Ensure waste is collected and transported regularly from the premises.
- Waste Hierarchy (Page 13)
- (a) Refusal: Prevention of waste generation.
- (b) Reduction: Minimize waste production.
- (c) Reuse: Use items multiple times before disposal.
- (d) Recycling & Recovery: Convert waste into usable forms.
- (e) Disposal: The last option, preferably in a landfill.
- Engagement with Waste Workers (Page 13)
- (a) Waste Pickers: Engage with those collecting non-biodegradable waste.
- (b) Waste Workers: Collaborate with individuals involved in waste management under BBMP.
- Public Awareness and Training (Page 41)
- (a) Training Classes: Attend sessions on waste management.
- (b) Seminars and Workshops: Participate in discussions and knowledge-sharing events.
- SWM Cess & User Fee (Page 36)
- (a) SWM Cess: Mandatory payment for maintaining cleanliness.
- (b) User Fee: Payable for collection, transportation, and disposal services.
- Sanitary Waste Management (Page 10)
- (a) Safe Disposal: Ensure sanitary waste like diapers and sanitary napkins are disposed of safely.
- (b) Avoid Contamination: Keep sanitary waste separate from other waste streams.
- Street Sweeping and Cleanliness (Page 10)
- (a) Regular Sweeping: Ensure streets and footpaths are cleaned regularly.
- (b) Drain Cleaning: Keep open roadside drains clear of obstructions.
“Waste management is not just the responsibility of municipal bodies but also of every individual. By understanding and implementing the guidelines provided in the SWM Rules 2016 and the BBMP Bye-laws, residents of apartment complexes can contribute significantly to a cleaner and greener environment.” – Excerpt from the BBMP Bye-laws (Page 13)
You can find the original PDF here
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