Bengaluru: In a first, BSWML earns credits for co-processing plastic waste

Addressing a press meet on Monday, Karigowda, Chief Executive Officer of the BSWML, said the city generates an average of 6,000 metric tonnes of solid waste every day, and the agency has set a target of increasing refuse-derived fuel (RDF) collection to 1,000 metric tonnes per day.

Bengaluru: For the first time, the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) has earned Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) credits worth Rs 1.80 crore for co-processing low-value plastic waste of about 18,625 metric tonnes. The BSWML – which collects about 520 tonnes of plastic waste on a daily basis – hopes to increase the revenue from EPR credits by doubling the volume of plastic waste proceccessed. 

Addressing a press meet here on Monday, Karigowda, Chief Executive Officer of the BSWML, said the city generates an average of 6,000 metric tonnes of solid waste every day, and the agency has set a target of increasing refuse-derived fuel (RDF) collection to 1,000 metric tonnes per day.

“There is an improvement in the segregation of waste at source. As a result, the volume of plastic waste being diverted from landfills has reduced,” he said.

“From December 15, 2025, to February 26, 2026, around 18,625 metric tonnes of RDF was transported to Dalmia Cement units for co-processing under a tender agreement. Under the EPR framework, cement companies provide EPR credits to BSWML for processing RDF waste. These credits are then sold to Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2024,” Karigowda said. 

The BSWML, he said, will enroll PIBOs to encash the EPR credits. Officials said one EPR credit is valued at Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000. “We spend Rs 1,000 for the transportation of plastic to the cement factories and the BSWML stands to earn Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 for every EPR credit,” the officer said. 

In 2011, the Centre had introduced EPR policy with an aim to make producers responsible for the scientific collection, recycling and disposal of their products after sale and consumption. In the past, non-profit organisations and solid waste management experts played a bigger role in encashing the EPR credits by bridging the gap by co-processing the plastic in Bengaluru. The civic body believes it can earn up to Rs 100 crore per annum through EPR credits. 

Brand ambassadors

As part of the Swachh Survekshan campaign the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) has appointed brand ambassadors to create public awareness on cleanliness. They are: Padma Shri awardee Manjamma Jogati film actor Aniruddha Jatkar and social worker Arun Pai. A special programme has been scheduled in Town Hall on March 9 to formally launch the initiative. Through these ambassadors extensive public outreach campaigns will be conducted across the city as BSWML hopes to perform better in the country-wide cleanliness campaign. 

Garbage complaints

Citizens facing garbage-related issues within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) can file complaints via the Sahaaya 2.0 application the helpline number 1533 or the WhatsApp chatbot at 94481 97197. Officials said the complaints are monitored through the Integrated Command and Control Centre and forwarded to the concerned officials for prompt resolution.