In a significant step towards cleaner and safer waste management, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has gathered an impressive 586.5 metric tonnes (MT) of hazardous and domestic sanitary waste (DSW) within six months of launching its special collection drive. The initiative, which began in May, aims to ensure effective segregation of hazardous waste and improve the occupational health and safety of sanitation workers.
According to civic data, as of October 31, the drive has covered seven lakh households, benefitting a population of nearly 28 lakh residents across Mumbai. On average, the collection teams have handled 6 MT of segregated waste daily, sourced from both residential and commercial establishments that voluntarily registered with the BMC. Dedicated vehicles were deployed specifically for this purpose, ensuring that hazardous waste did not mix with general garbage.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar informed that registered households are assigned time slots for doorstep collection by specialized vehicles. He clarified that the civic body deliberately avoided using standard garbage dumpers to maintain strict segregation protocols. Dighavkar further noted that the initiative is currently voluntary as the system is being refined, but added that it may become mandatory in the future once operational challenges are addressed.
The collected waste includes sanitary napkins, diapers, tampons, condoms, contaminated cotton, bandages, nails, expired medicines, needles, razors, and items generated from beauty parlours and PPE kits. The BMC estimates that Mumbai produces around 7,000–8,000 MT of total waste daily, of which 70–80 MT—roughly 10%—is classified as sanitary or hazardous.
Area-wise data indicates that Goregaon contributed the highest collection with 46 MT, followed by Ghatkopar (43 MT), Malad (East) (37 MT), Sandhurst Road-Dongri (21 MT), and Mankhurd-Govandi (10 MT). Between August and October, approximately 400 MT of waste was gathered, with 151 MT in October, 116 MT in September, and 133 MT in August, reflecting a steady rise in citizen participation.
All waste items are packed in yellow-coloured bags and sent to plasma-based processing units for safe disposal. To strengthen community engagement, BMC teams have been conducting awareness visits to registered housing societies and commercial entities, explaining the environmental and health importance of proper waste segregation.
The civic body’s ongoing efforts mark a notable shift in Mumbai’s waste management strategy, focusing on reducing health risks for sanitation workers and ensuring eco-friendly disposal methods. While the initiative is still in its trial phase, officials believe it has the potential to become a citywide model for responsible waste handling in urban India.