'Startups not keen on bulk waste'

Corporates often suggest innovative ideas to deal with the garbage crisis. However, they are of no help in handling bulk waste. There is a feedback problem too, complain corporation officials.

In the last three years, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has partnered with 12 startups to set up waste-to-energy plants, so as to convert waste into useful products. The BBMP, meanwhile, says that’s not enough.

Randeep D, Special Commissioner (Finance and IT), BBMP, said: “We welcome solutions, but the problem is when we give them feedback and ask for solutions to handle the bulk waste. The companies do not respond. The second or third round of meetings often do not happen.” Moreover, BBMP wants zero-cost solutions, which many companies are unable to offer.

Sarfaraz Khan, Joint Commissioner, Solid Waste Management, BBMP, said there is no permanent solution. “Garbage business is not a one-time deal. As long as humans exist the garbage problem will persist. Allied solutions and businesses will, likewise. At present, only small quantities are handled by companies for methanisation, to generate gasoline, manure, construction materials and other technological advances,” Khan said.

According to Khan, BBMP has even partnered with foreign companies and groups on various projects. For instance, an agreement has been inked with the Netherlands for dry waste collection.

“The BBMP needs solutions to handle bulk garbage, apart from segregation, transportation to the end product. The biggest challenge is to handle bulk waste at the ward level. Companies are able to manage 100-500 kg of waste, but solutions are needed for 5-10 tonnes of waste,” Khan said.

Officials pointed out that companies have promising ideas when presentations are made before the high court-appointed technical committee. But when questions are raised and feedback is sought, many of them do not respond.

They further said that more companies only mean increased awareness, but the involvement of citizens needs to be addressed.