Although segregation of waste at source has kickstarted in many wards, there still seem to be some confusion and chaos pertaining to segregation among many sections, especially in the new wards. BBMP chief health officer, Dr Devika said, “Ensuring segregation of garbage at source is our priority.”
Most of the pourakarmikas in new wards are contract employees, hence, are not very well versed with the concept of segregated waste. Susan Jose, a resident of Uttarahalli opines, “When I asked the waste collector about collection and transportation of segregated waste, I was amused at his reply. He said that he had no idea about the whole process.” Radhika Devi, a resident of Yelachahalli said, “Even after 14 days of new rule on segregation, the pourakarmikas in our locality are collecting waste in plastic bag.”
BBMP commissioner Rajneesh Goel said, “We are floating new tenders for the new wards, which will address all these issues. Even door to door collection is not regular here. We will take action on non-performers.”
Suresh Heblikar, environmentalist opines the need for mass awareness campaigns. He says, “The public have been shown the ways and means to do it in the initial stages and later, things will flow on its own.”
On the other hand, E G Jaideep, a software entrepreneur and an environmentally conscious citizen said, “We have to give it to the BBMP for the start that they have given to the whole segregation process. But I feel even they are not very clear so we should help people in segregating the waste. People should also be informed about how to dispose off e-waste. ”
How to dispose waste?
Daily disposal of wet waste is advisable as the rate of decomposition of most wet materials is very high. It should be disposed in a bag containing only wet waste and no dry waste materials. Dry waste must be disposed once or twice a week depending on the pile up. Dry waste can be disposed in two ways- give it to the nearest dry waste depots. Secondly, it can be sold to contractors who can then dispose it. Milks cartons can be stored after a rinse and then sold to local disposing units. As far as hazardous waste is concerned, it is to be disposed carefully as it may harm the environment. Hence, it can be disposed along with regular dry waste but while disposing, you must ensure that the person buying it from you is told what is there in it. It would also be a good idea to mark the bag in which you will be disposing the hazardous waste as “Hazardous”. Medical and Sanitary waste should be disposed daily. It should be wrapped in newspapers and marked with a red X on it. It can be given separately to the pickers along with the wet waste.
Garden waste will be collected by the BBMP on specified days or can be dropped off at the nearest specified park for composting. Last but not the least, debris, rubbish are collected on request against charges by the BBMP.