News Continuous Bureau | Mumbai
In a bold step towards redefining urban sanitation and ensuring the safety of its frontline
workers, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) rolled out a special initiative
for the separate collection and disposal of domestic sanitary and special care waste.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Solid Waste Management Department, officially
commenced on April 21, 2025.
Mumbai, a city that never sleeps, generates a staggering 7,000 to 7,500 metric tonnes
of waste every single day. Tucked away within this overwhelming volume was an often
overlooked but critically dangerous fraction: sanitary waste. From used diapers and
sanitary pads to expired medicines, bandages, and beauty parlour discards, these
materials are typically tossed in with regular garbage. However, their improper disposal
poses significant health hazards, especially for the sanitation workers who sort and
manage this waste manually. The need for careful handling of such waste had never
been more urgent. To tackle this challenge head-on, BMC introduced a dedicated waste
collection service that emphasized the importance of proper segregation. All sanitary
and bio-contaminated waste, ranging from personal hygiene products to sharps like
needles and razors, must be disposed of in a distinct yellow bag. The initiative aimed
not only at ensuring safer handling but also at reducing the stigma around such waste
and educating citizens about its risks.
It went beyond just collection and included an awareness drive that highlighted why
responsible disposal mattered, not just for environmental health but also for human
dignity. By isolating sanitary waste from general household garbage, the city took a
giant leap toward safer, cleaner, and more humane waste management practices.
BMC encouraged active citizen participation through a simple QR code-based
self-registration system. Housing societies, hostels, beauty parlours, and educational
institutions could easily sign up for this service by scanning the QR code and filling out a
short form. Once registered, these entities benefited from regular sanitary waste
collection, alongside their routine garbage pickup. More importantly, they became part
of a larger movement committed to transforming Mumbai’s waste management
landscape.
This pioneering drive was more than just a municipal service—it was a call for collective
responsibility. It reflected BMC’s unwavering dedication to improving public health,
ensuring the dignity of sanitation workers, and nurturing a cleaner, more conscious
Mumbai. By embracing this initiative, citizens had a chance to be part of something
impactful—something that didn’t just manage waste, but redefined how a city cared for
its people.
It wasn’t just about what we threw away, it was about how we chose to do it. Let’s make
the yellow bag a symbol of care, awareness, and change.
