MBMC’s QR Code Waste Management Initiative Reaches SKOCH Award Semifinals

Mira Bhayandar, March 17, 2025: In a significant achievement, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has qualified for the semifinals of the prestigious SKOCH Award 2025, known as the highest independent honour in India. The award recognizes individuals, institutions, and projects that make exceptional contributions towards the country's progress through effective governance, scientific waste management, and other remarkable achievements.

MBMC earned its spot in the semifinals for its innovative implementation of a digitized Quick Response (QR) code model for monitoring and streamlining the daily door-to-door waste management process. This initiative, which began as a pilot project in October 2023, is designed to ensure proper segregation of waste at the source, improving efficiency and waste management practices across the twin-city.

The civic body had introduced the QR code model in Ward 13 as a test run, with the goal of addressing the massive challenge of segregating and disposing of around 550 tonnes of waste generated daily in the city. The model’s success has led to its expansion across Mira Bhayandar, with corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding helping to scale the project.

The innovative approach involves affixing unique QR codes at each household entrance. Sanitary workers scan these codes while collecting waste to verify whether segregation has been done properly. If non-segregated waste is found, the workers take photographs and upload them onto a specially developed software. This system, created under the flagship project of the central government, promotes innovation, start-up culture, and entrepreneurship.

Radhabinod A. Sharma, the civic chief, expressed his gratitude towards citizens and employees for their hard work and dedication, stating, "The MBMC has been recognized as a semi-finalist in the prestigious SKOCH Award for our QR-based Digital Waste Management initiative through the Swachh MBMC App. This achievement is a testament to the innovation and commitment of our entire team and valued stakeholders. However, this is just the beginning. Our vision is to transform Mira Bhayandar into a model livable city, and achieving this requires continuous efforts and active citizen participation."

The successful implementation of the QR code model has significantly improved waste segregation, increasing the percentage of waste segregation at the source from 45% to 90%. Despite this progress, MBMC continues to strive for higher segregation rates, with the current figure hovering around 72%. The city generates more than 550 tonnes of waste daily, along with an additional 10 tonnes of industrial and biomedical waste.

MBMC had previously won the SKOCH Award in 2019 for effectively recycling Nirmalaya (floral waste) into organic manure by setting up a mini vermi-compost project.

As Mira Bhayandar continues to innovate and improve its waste management system, MBMC remains committed to making the city cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for its residents. The recognition in the SKOCH Award semifinals is a step forward in realizing this vision.