Bengaluru Residents to Pay Extra for Waste Collection from April

Starting April 1, Bengaluru homeowners will see an additional charge on their property tax bills as the Karnataka government introduces a new user fee for domestic waste collection and disposal. This policy, applicable to all households, has been approved to enhance waste management services in the city.

The fee structure is based on property size, with six slabs in place. Homes up to 600 sq ft will pay ₹10 per month, while larger properties exceeding 4,000 sq ft will be charged ₹400 per month. For example, a three-storey building on a 30×40 sq ft site may face a monthly fee of ₹150. This charge comes on top of the existing Solid Waste Management (SWM) cess, which is already included in property tax payments.

The move is expected to generate ₹750 crore annually, contributing to Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited’s (BSWML) budget, which has been increased to ₹1,400 crore. BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath emphasized that while the new fee will cover a significant portion of the required funds, the remaining amount will come from other BBMP revenue sources.

While the official order is still pending, the Urban Development Department, under Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, has already approved the proposal. The BBMP plans to implement the fee collection alongside property tax payments from the 2025–26 financial year.

However, not everyone supports the decision. Bengaluru NavaNirmana Party (BNP) leader Poongothai Paramasivam questioned the necessity of the fee, arguing that BBMP should first disclose how its existing funds for waste management are being utilized. “Before burdening citizens with an extra charge, BBMP must provide transparency on its expenditure,” she stated.

While urban policies like Swachh Survekshan guidelines allow for such fees, critics argue they are not mandatory, leaving residents divided on the new levy.