'Meagre' tax benefit fails to attract bulk waste generators

Civic body’s 5% property tax rebate does not commensurate with the cost incurred for treating waste at source, point out observers; odour, need of skilled workers and machinery among other challenges

- Shefali Parab-Pandit

Though the BMC has offered 5% rebate in property tax to encourage bulk waste generators (BWG) to treat waste at source since 2020-21, only 12 residential complexes have taken the scheme's benefit till now. At 392, the highest number of BWGs are located in the K-West ward, which covers the Andheri West area.

The idea has not been able to woo many because the incentive offered does not commensurate with the cost incurred for treating waste on premises. Onsite treatment also generates foul odour and requires space — which are other reasons for low compliance.