The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has collected ₹350 crore in garbage tax within the first two months of the financial year, nearly half of the projected annual revenue of ₹700 crore. The solid waste management (SWM) fee, introduced from April 1, is being collected along with property tax on behalf of Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML).

According to officials, the collection in May alone stood at ₹230 crore, contributing to an overall ₹2,600 crore in property tax revenue over April and May, an increase of ₹1,250 crore compared to the same period last year. A BBMP official confirmed that approximately ₹350 crore of the total came from the SWM fee, as reported by Deccan Herald.

The strong response has prompted BSWML to plan several infrastructure and service upgrades. The agency intends to overhaul the city’s waste collection and transport systems, including the deployment of new auto tippers for door-to-door garbage pickup. It also plans to appoint a single private agency to manage wet, dry, and sanitary waste across major assembly segments, with the contract estimated at ₹540 crore per year.

Four integrated solid waste processing facilities are also proposed across the city, with cabinet approval already secured. Financial details for the project are awaited. Additionally, BSWML has proposed streamlining the management of construction and demolition waste.

However, the awarding of all five related tenders to a single firm has raised concerns. A proposed ₹100 crore outlay for tipping fees has also drawn attention, as this marks a new category of expenditure.

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The SWM fee is calculated based on the built up area of residential properties. Monthly charges range from ₹10 for homes under 600 sq ft to ₹400 for properties above 4,000 sq ft, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Despite the revenue boost, the tax has triggered opposition. The Bengaluru NavaNirmana Party (BNP) has launched the #IWontPay campaign, demanding that the government first conduct BBMP elections and publish detailed project plans along with audited accounts. “We will not accept or pay arbitrary fees imposed without legitimacy, transparency, or representation,” the party stated on its official BNP website.

BJP leaders have also met BBMP Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao to seek withdrawal of the fee, citing financial strain on residents and businesses.

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