Residents join hands with NGO to dispose of dry waste

Convincing citizens to segregate dry waste from wet may have proved quite a challenge for the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), but a non-profit organisation in Domlur has thrown up an inspiring model, with active support from residents.

Though the Palike set up the dry waste collection centre (DWCC) in Domlur last year, it was the NGO, Waste Wise Trust, which made it a resounding success. A group of concerned citizens ensured the success endures.

Embarking on an eco-friendly initiative, the centre has got workers who diligently collect the dry waste from residents in and around Domlur every week. Ragpickers are also hired to collect the dry waste, according to Vinod, in-charge of DWCC.

When residents learnt about the initiative, a few pro-active among them decided to take it upon themselves to spread the word in and around the neighbourhood.

Vijayanand and some of his neighbours took the lead.

Though sceptical in the beginning, they went on to pull it off. What’s more, residents from other apartment complexes have begun showing interest.

A year on, Vijayanand says, the scheme is “going great”. “People are voluntarily contributing towards systematic disposal of garbage. We realised that something can be achieved only when both sides work. But we expect more support from the BBMP,” he added.

The efforts have begun to show results. The DWCC collects 600 kg of dry waste every week, an astonishing figure compared with just 2.5 kg dry waste collected at centres run by the BBMP elsewhere. The waste is then sold to be used in recycling.

Vinod, too, said residents’ co-operation had been crucial. N  S Ramakanth, a member of the Solid Waste Management Round Table, said such NGO-run centres should be encouraged everywhere. “They can go a long way in solving the problem of garbage,” he opined.
He acknowledged that in centres run by the BBMP, dry waste is not collected in large quantities. Only up to 2.5 kg waste is collected every week. “More officials should be roped in for this effort,” he added. As for wet waste, residents dump it in BBMP truck every day.