Garbage Crisis: Door-to-Door Collection Hit by Segregation Rules as BSWML-Contractor Conflict Escalates

Garbage is piling up across parts of the city as a standoff between Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd and contractors begins to show on the streets. Door to door collection has been disrupted in several wards, and officials now acknowledge that the issue goes beyond routine delays. A senior Greater Bengaluru Authority official admitted there is a clear breakdown in coordination between the implementing agency and contractors, pointing to a deeper operational failure.

At the centre of the problem is a growing dispute over waste segregation rules. BSWML has maintained that contractors must strictly enforce segregation at source and during collection. Contractors, however, say directions are changing frequently, the system is difficult to implement on the ground, and the current model is neither financially nor logistically sustainable. The result is visible across neighbourhoods where garbage remains uncleared for longer periods.

The strain is also evident among workers and basic infrastructure. Confusion over separate collection days for wet, dry and sanitary waste has added to the disruption. In March, more than 300 sanitation workers went on strike, objecting to additional segregation responsibilities. Contractors briefly suspended collection, arguing that the burden placed on workers had become unmanageable. At the same time, capacity gaps continue to slow operations. While a ward ideally requires around 20 waste collection vehicles, only 12 to 13 are currently operational. Many vehicles are running without cleaners, forcing drivers to handle both driving and collection, which leads to delays and inconsistent service.

Even as the civic situation worsens, the issue has moved into the legal arena. The Karnataka High Court is hearing a petition linked to BSWML's tender notification issued on March 25. Petitioner S N Balasubramaniam has alleged that BSWML chief executive Kari Gowda and additional chief secretary Tushar Girinath demanded illegal gratification tied to the tender process. The allegations include percentage based payments linked to the bid value. These claims have been strongly contested. Advocate general Shashikiran Shetty told the court that the alleged meeting could not have taken place and presented travel records in support, while the petitioner has stood by his claims and is prepared to file an affidavit. The matter is set to be heard further on Friday.

Amid rising public concern, BSWML has indicated that corrective measures are being considered. Kari Gowda said the agency is looking at redeployment of officials, streamlining of contracts and improved monitoring systems, along with reassessing vehicle and manpower requirements ward wise. However, these steps are yet to translate into visible improvements on the ground.

Bengaluru now faces a dual challenge. Streets need to be cleared even as questions around governance and procurement continue to grow. Until coordination improves and execution stabilises, the city's garbage problem is unlikely to ease in the immediate term.