By Kavita Mistry 
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced a Solid Waste Management (SWM) user fee as part of the annual property tax, resulting in a 20–35% overall hike. Over 42 lakh property owners, including businesses, are affected by this new move that took effect on April 1, with the tax portal going live recently.
🗑️ Who Has to Pay the Garbage Tax?
- Independent houses
- Commercial properties
- Vacant plots (₹0.60 per sq. ft., even if no BBMP services are used)
- Large apartment complexes (even with private waste disposal systems)
This new charge is expected to generate ₹750 crore annually for BBMP’s solid waste management efforts.
🧍♂️ Public Reaction: Steep Bills and Financial Strain
Many residents are upset.
- Srivatsa V from Hosakerehalli saw a 37% hike, paying ₹4,475 this year.
- Latha Kumari from Basavanagudi said the ₹1,200 garbage fee worsens her EMI and essentials burden.
- Raghavendra Rao from RR Nagar, however, supported the tax—if BBMP ensures cleaner streets.
🏢 Apartments With Private Facilities Want Exemption
Bulk waste generators like large apartments are demanding relief.
- Subhash Shetty from Nagasandra explained how his 877-flat complex pays for onsite composting and private vendors, yet every flat was charged the user fee.
- He called it “daylight robbery,” especially since their complex already pays ₹60,000/month for dry waste management.
🧑💼 BBMP Responds: Declare for Exemption
BBMP’s Harish Kumar clarified that bulk waste generators with their own SWM systems can be exempt, but only if they declare this on the tax portal—subject to verification.
However, this hasn’t calmed frustrations, as smaller apartments still rely on informal BBMP tippers, who charge anywhere from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 monthly.