Rs. 1,000 fine for non-segregation; SWM User Fee as part of property tax
BENGALURU:
The Karnataka government has given its nod to penalise citizens for not adhering to Solid Waste Management rules in Bengaluru city. The new rules come into effect immediately, and anyone littering on the streeets or not segregating household waste will end up paying a penalty of Rs 1,000, and Rs 2000 in the second instance. The gazette notification was published on June 4.
The state government has also given its nod to collect SWM User Fees as part of the annual property tax.
An SWM User Fee, as per provisions of Rule 15 (f) of SWM Rules 2016, shall be payable by all waste generators, excluding bulk waste generators. The SWM User Fee shall be automatically increased by 5% every year. The rates shall be advertised on the BBMP website, the gazette notification says.
50% rebate on user fees
Waste generators, other than bulk generators, who process their segregated solid waste in accordance with the bye-laws, including on-site composting or bio-methanation of wet waste, shall get at least 50% rebate on the SWM User Fee.
The SWM User Fee shall be collected in person or through online payment by BBMP and/or any other agency /person authorised by BBMP.
A surcharge of 2% per month shall be charged if the waste generator fails to pay the User Fee within 3 months of the demand being raised. The surcharge amount may be revised from time to time by BBMP.
Escrow Account
All amounts collected as SWM User Fee shall be transferred to a separate escrow bank account maintained for funds used for Solid Waste Management. Such funds shall not be diverted for any other non-core SWM activities.
How Much You End Up Paying
For residential buildings up to 1,000 sq.ft, charges are Rs 30 per month and for residential buildings of a minimum of 1,000 sq.ft upto a maximum of 5,000 sq.ft., monthly charges are Rs.200.
For industrial buildings, the monthly charges will be Rs.100 to Rs 300 for 1,000 sq.ft up to 5,000 sq.ft.
In addition, large waste generators, including hotels, malls and marriage halls, will be charged up to Rs. 300 for 10,000 sq.ft, Rs. 500 for buildings up to 50,000 sq.ft. and Rs. 600 for buildings above 50,000 sq.ft.
In the city, if there is any ceremony or function held with a large crowd and garbage is generated, for the disposal of the garbage BBMP will charge Rs. 6 per kg of garbage.
Waste Disposal ‘Periods’ that are produced at community events or exhibitions held for a week or more in any particular community building or hotel in the city are designated separately. Accordingly, Rs 1,500 per week, Rs. 3,000 for more than one week, and Rs. 6,000 for one month will be charged.
