Mumbai: BMC Introduces 24/7 Debris Collection Service via Centralized Helpline and MYBMC App

Mumbai - In a significant move to improve its waste management services, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revamped its "Debris on Call" service after nearly a decade. The civic body has introduced a centralized helpline for the city and suburbs, which will be integrated into the MYBMC app. This revamped service aims to make debris collection more accessible and efficient for Mumbai residents.

The online service, which will soon be available 24/7, will offer free collection of household and small-scale debris weighing up to 500 kilograms. This initiative is set to make BMC the first municipal corporation in the country to provide such a service digitally.

To handle the growing amount of debris, BMC is also establishing two state-of-the-art plants with a combined processing capacity of up to 1,200 tonnes per day. M/s Metro Waste Handling Pvt Ltd has been appointed to manage debris collection and processing from Colaba to Sion and Kurla to Mulund, with a plant set up in Daighar village, Shilphata. Similarly, M/s AG Enviro Infra Pvt Ltd will handle the Bandra to Dahisar region, with a plant in Kokanipada, Dahisar.

Previously, the BMC had introduced a helpline for debris collection in 2014, but the service failed to gain significant traction among citizens. Illegal dumping of debris, particularly construction waste, continued to be a major issue, with offenders often escaping detection during night hours. To address this, the BMC has formed special squads at the ward level to monitor and take action against illegal dumping.

In response to these challenges, the BMC has integrated the debris collection service into the MYBMC app, allowing citizens to request services directly. By selecting their location on the app, residents will be able to notify a Junior Supervisor (JS) for site inspection. After assessing the debris, the JS will share the details, including any charges, through the app. Payments can be made online via the app, with digital receipts provided via WhatsApp. Offline payments can be made to the JS, who will issue a receipt.

Once payment is confirmed, debris will be collected within 48 hours, offering a streamlined and efficient solution to unauthorised dumping.

Additionally, the sand-like byproducts generated from debris will be repurposed into non-structural items such as paver blocks, pavement stones, and benches. This process will be managed by the contractors overseeing the collection and processing.

For debris collection requests, residents can use the following helpline numbers:

City and Eastern Suburbs: Toll-free number 1800-202-6364 (available from 8 am to 8 pm)
Western Suburbs: Toll-free number 1800-210-9976 (available from 8 am to 8 pm)
Importantly, there will be no charges for collecting up to 500 kilograms of debris, making this an accessible and efficient solution for the city's waste management needs.