Pune: After Protests, PCMC to Continue Collecting Wet Waste from Large Housing Societies

Pimpri Chinchwad, 1st July 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has put on hold its decision to stop collecting wet waste from large housing societies and commercial establishments after strong opposition from residents. Civic officials on Tuesday clarified that wet waste collection from such premises will continue for the time being.

The civic body’s earlier decision, which was to take effect from July 1, had proposed discontinuing door-to-door collection of wet waste from establishments generating more than 100 kg of wet waste daily. The move triggered protests from housing societies, which argued that many were not yet equipped to process waste on their own.

Under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, notified by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, bulk waste generators—including housing societies spread over more than 20,000 sq m or those generating over 100 kg of waste per day, and establishments using 40,000 litres or more of water daily—are required to scientifically process wet waste within their premises through composting or biomethanation.

The rules also mandate such establishments to register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and obtain certification from the municipal corporation after setting up the required waste-processing facilities.

PCMC’s health department had planned to strictly enforce these provisions by stopping the collection of wet waste from bulk generators. However, after housing societies objected to the move, claiming they lacked adequate space and infrastructure to install treatment facilities, the civic administration decided to defer implementation.

Officials said surveys are currently underway to identify establishments generating more than 100 kg of wet waste each day and assess whether they have installed on-site waste-processing systems. Action will first focus on those that already have the required infrastructure but are not operating it.

According to civic officials, around 1,125 establishments in the city fall under the category of bulk wet waste generators. These include large housing societies, temples, marriage halls, hotels, companies, canteens and eateries.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Health) Dr Pradeep Thengal said the decision to stop collecting wet waste from bulk generators had been taken in line with Central government rules and court directives. “Following objections from housing societies, PCMC will continue collecting wet waste for now. A final decision on enforcement will be taken after discussions with the Municipal Commissioner and public representatives,” he said.