Is Garbage Collection No Longer Free in Delhi? Here’s What You Need to Know
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is set to introduce a monthly user fee for door-to-door garbage collection, a service that was previously free for residents. This move comes seven years after the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2018, were enforced in the capital. Starting soon, residential property owners will be charged between Rs 50 and Rs 200 per month, depending on their property size. The fee will be collected along with property tax, effectively increasing annual expenses for homeowners.
What Will Residents Pay?
The charges will vary based on property size:
- Rs 50/month for properties up to 50 sq m
- Rs 100/month for properties between 50–200 sq m
- Rs 200/month for properties exceeding 200 sq m
- Rs 100/month for street vendors
This means homeowners will pay an extra Rs 600–2,400 per year in addition to their property tax.
Higher Fees for Commercial Establishments
Businesses and institutions will face steeper charges:
- Shops & eateries: Rs 500/year
- Guesthouses & dharamshalas: Rs 2,000/year
- Restaurants (50+ seats): Rs 3,000/year
- 3-star & above hotels: Rs 5,000/year
- Clinics & labs (50+ beds): Rs 4,000/year
- Banks & coaching centers: Rs 2,000/year
- Marriage halls: Rs 5,000/year
- Small-scale hazardous waste producers: Rs 3,000/year
The MCD estimates this could generate Rs 150 crore annually in additional revenue.
Political Backlash Over "Arbitrary" Decision
The introduction of user charges has triggered a political dispute, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly opposing the move. AAP leaders argue that the decision was made without approval from the MCD House, calling it "unauthorized" and "anti-people." Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has reportedly raised objections with the MCD Commissioner, questioning the legality of imposing fees without council consent.
The SWM Rules were first introduced by the Centre in 2016 and adopted by Delhi in 2018. However, the BJP-led municipal corporations at the time resisted implementation. Now, under a unified MCD, the policy is being enforced, impacting millions of residents.
Meanwhile, AAP leader and Mayor Mahesh Kumar Khichi accused the MCD Commissioner of acting unilaterally, stating, "This decision unfairly increases the tax burden on residents already struggling with inflation. We demand an immediate rollback as it is procedurally illegal."
The controversy continues as Delhiites brace for higher expenses in waste management services.