The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has made it mandatory for housing societies generating over 100 kilograms of organic waste daily to install organic waste recycling units on their premises. The move aims to promote eco-friendly waste disposal and reduce the growing burden on landfills.

The initiative falls under the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000, which require municipal authorities to ensure proper collection, segregation, storage, processing, and disposal of solid waste. To implement the directive, the TMC has established a Bulk Waste Generator (BWG) cell under its solid waste management department.

The BWG team has already surveyed more than 700 residential societies, which have been issued notices to install recycling machines. According to Dr Rani Shinde, head of TMC’s solid waste management department, the goal is to reduce overall waste generation and encourage on-site processing of biodegradable waste.

“Wet waste can be turned into compost or manure for gardens, reducing pressure on landfills and collection systems,” Dr Shinde said. She added that proper waste segregation also makes it easier to recover recyclable materials such as plastic and metal.

Recognising that not all societies have the resources, manpower, or space for recycling units, the TMC has partnered with pharmaceutical company IPCA Laboratories, which is providing 20 organic waste units under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund.

Each recycling unit, known as an ‘aerobin’, costs around Rs 25,000, and four such units have already been installed at the TMC headquarters, where wet waste from canteens is being processed.

However, residents have expressed mixed reactions. Megha Ghatge, a resident of Sanghavi Hills on Ghodbunder Road, said, “While the initiative is commendable, the cost could burden residents who are already paying multiple taxes. The TMC should subsidise the expense.”

Dr Veena Kawalkar, a committee member at Haware City, added that many societies struggle with delayed maintenance payments and lack of civic amenities. “Before asking us to install these machines, the TMC should ensure basic services like water supply and regular waste collection. Our area hasn’t seen garbage removal for three days,” she said.

The TMC maintains that the long-term benefits of decentralised waste processing will outweigh the initial cost, helping make Thane a cleaner and more sustainable city.