BBMP for reusables over single-use disposables

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is to issue guidelines shortly on the use of disposable materials at events organised in the city.

It has been found that paper and plastic materials make up 16% of Bengaluru’s waste. In order to reduce the amount of waste generated at events, the BBMP is now pushing for reusable materials as against single-use disposables.

This was enforced as a pilot at the Organics and Millets 2019 International Trade Fair last weekend, which was held at the Palace Grounds on Bellary Road.

“We want to issue a general directive to event organisers from both private and government entities to avoid using single-use disposables in programmes. For instance, if organisers use paper plates or disposables that are made of areca palm stalks, it may be allowed as per the law. However, these are single-use and are thrown away thereafter. We have to use steel plates instead in such cases. We are trying to focus on our shift from single-use disposables to re-usable materials,” said Randeep D, additional commissioner (admin), BBMP. “The emphasis is going to be on reusable materials,” he added.

Meanwhile, citizens feel that this is a great move by the civic body.

“Be it programmes at our homes or large scale events, food is an integral part. Disposables need a lot of space and use various materials for packaging. Using a steel plate instead of a paper plate can make a lot of difference,” Praneeth K Sargur from Sarakki told DH.

“This should not remain on paper but should be implemented on the ground. The government banned single-use plastic water bottles, but the city is not rid of them yet,” said Sneha Ram from Banashankari III Stage.