Mumbai: In a bid to improve waste management and public health, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at the safe collection of domestic sanitary and special care waste. Starting May 1, 2025, the BMC’s Solid Waste Management Department will provide specialized collection services for items such as used sanitary pads, diapers, expired medicines, and other household waste related to personal hygiene.
The service, titled “Domestic Sanitary and Special Care Waste Collection,” will be available to a variety of establishments, including housing societies, residential complexes, beauty parlors, women’s hostels, and educational institutions across Mumbai. To avail of this service, these establishments must complete the registration process, which has already commenced on April 22, 2025. Registration can be done through a Google Form or by scanning a QR code sent to registered establishments via WhatsApp.
Kiran Dighavkar, Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management at BMC, emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting that approximately 7 to 8 thousand tons of solid waste are generated daily in Mumbai, with 70 to 80 tons of that waste being related to personal hygiene. The hazardous waste includes items such as used sanitary napkins, tampons, diapers, and even contaminated cotton and bandages from medical use.
“Often, this hazardous waste is disposed of along with regular household waste, putting sanitation workers at risk. Our goal is to segregate and manage this waste properly, ensuring both public health and safety,” Dighavkar said.
Yellow-colored bags will be used for collecting the sanitary and special care waste, and BMC staff will visit registered establishments to educate staff and residents about proper waste segregation practices.
As part of the campaign, the BMC aims to raise awareness about the health risks associated with improper disposal of sanitary waste and ensure full participation from the community. The registration process is available online at Google Form Registration.
With the new waste collection initiative, Mumbai’s BMC is taking a significant step toward improving the city’s waste management system and protecting the health and safety of its citizens.
