Within six months of launching its special waste collection initiative, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has collected 586.5 metric tonnes (MT) of hazardous and domestic sanitary waste (DSW). Introduced in May 2025, the drive aims to enhance waste segregation, promote safer waste handling, and protect the health of sanitation workers. According to BMC data, as of 31 October, the civic body has collected waste from 700,000 households, covering a population of 2.8 million, at an average rate of 6 MT per day. The waste is gathered from both residential complexes and commercial establishments registered with the BMC. Kiran Dighavkar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, told The Indian Express, “We have deployed dedicated waste collection vehicles to pick up hazardous waste directly from registered households and establishments. Residents are given specific time slots for collection, and we avoid using standard dumpers to ensure proper segregation.” He added, “The initiative is currently voluntary as we are assessing operational challenges, but in the long term, we plan to make it mandatory for citizens.” The collected waste includes sanitary napkins, diapers, tampons, condoms, contaminated cotton, bandages, expired medicines, needles, razors, and beauty parlour waste, as well as discarded PPE kits. Mumbai generates around 7,000–8,000 MT of waste daily, of which 10 per cent (70–80 MT) comprises sanitary or hazardous waste. Between 1 May and 31 October, Goregaon led waste collection with 46 MT, followed by Ghatkopar (43 MT), Malad East (37 MT), Sandhurst Road and Dongri (21 MT), and Mankhurd–Govandi (10 MT). From August to October alone, approximately 400 MT was collected, with 151 MT in October, 133 MT in August, and 116 MT in September. The waste is collected in yellow-coloured bags and transported to plasma-based processing units for safe disposal. To raise awareness, BMC teams have also been visiting registered societies and commercial properties. The civic body plans to gradually expand the drive citywide, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable waste management and public health protection.