PMC Expands Night-Time Waste Collection Across Pune; Over 250 Tonnes Cleared So Far

Pune, 3rd August 2025: In a bid to ensure cleaner streets and improve waste management efficiency, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has expanded its night-time garbage collection operations to more areas of the city. The initiative, which began a month ago, has already led to the collection of over 250 tonnes of waste during late-night clean-up drives.

The civic administration has deployed around 1,400 sanitation workers and more than 200 vehicles exclusively for this nocturnal drive, primarily targeting busy market areas where daytime clearance often remains incomplete.

Speaking about the ongoing efforts, Sandip Kadam, head of PMC’s Solid Waste Management Department, said, “We initiated night-time garbage lifting in market zones last month following field visits by the municipal commissioner. The results so far are encouraging—roads are noticeably cleaner in the morning. We’ve now scaled up the drive to cover additional pockets of the city.”

The decision to start large-scale night cleaning came after Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram conducted surprise inspections across several localities and flagged the ineffective clearance of waste during early hours.

Many residents have lauded the move, noting visible improvements. However, concerns persist about illegal dumping in certain areas.

A civic official admitted that lack of waste segregation remains a major hurdle. “Many vendors and food stall owners are not separating wet and dry waste, which leads to mixed garbage piling up. We are planning targeted interventions to streamline the segregation process,” the official added.

Safety Concerns and Police Involvement

While the cleaning effort has shown promise, PMC has reported instances where cleaning staff were attacked during night shifts. The civic body has reached out to Pune police seeking additional security for sanitation workers during night operations.

Inspections of Commercial Units from Next Week

In a parallel step, PMC will begin inspecting shops and vendors next week to ensure compliance with waste segregation norms. Establishments failing to maintain separate bins for wet and dry waste will face immediate notices, officials said.

Pune currently generates around 2,500 tonnes of solid waste daily. The civic body has also launched a monsoon-special ‘Deep Clean Drive’, which aims not just to clear garbage and debris, but also to address hygiene concerns heightened by seasonal conditions.