Mangaluru civic body to install QR codes for all waste generators in city

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) plans to install QR codes for all waste-generating properties in 60 wards of the city. The MCC oversees 2.3 lakh waste-generating properties, encompassing residential homes, restaurants, and business establishments. Currently, QR code installations have been completed at 90,000 properties across 60 wards. The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) receives daily waste collection data from households through QR code scanning.

MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik said that QR codes will be installed at all waste-generating properties in the near future. He said training was given to pourakarmikas to scan QR codes at homes, restaurants, and other business establishments while collecting waste. Supervisors will send pictures with QR codes when they find unsegregated waste during door-to-door waste collection.

The commissioner said there is visible improvement in public compliance with waste segregation guidelines after the officials started imposing fines for not segregating waste at the source before handing it over to the waste collection vehicles.

"Penalties amounting to Rs 37,500 were collected in one day from individuals and restaurants who did not segregate wet and dry waste properly. The implementation of fines by MCC has led to improved waste management practices amongst hotel owners, restaurants proprietors, and apartment residents. Establishments failing to comply with waste segregation guidelines were penalised Rs 5,000 each," Naik said, adding that officials of the MCC will continue raids to act against non-compliance.

Deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP, who is also the administrator of the MCC, said that the administration is preparing to launch dedicated initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable waste management. A scheduling option will be added to the solid waste management app so that commercial establishments may choose convenient timings to collect waste from their premises. Accordingly, the waste collection vehicles will be sent as per the timings selected by them, he said.

Initiatives will be taken to introduce the ranking of bulk waste generators, who promote compost making, engage in recycling activities, and those who practice effective waste disposal methods, he added.