Mumbai Gets 30 New White-and-Blue High-Capacity Garbage Compactors to Boost Waste Collection

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has added thirty new micro compactors to its solid waste management fleet. These upgraded vehicles can make two trips in one shift and carry almost double the waste compared to the older models. 

As many as 17 compactors joined the fleet on November 29, and the remaining 13 will arrive within a week. The existing green compactors will soon be replaced with new white-and-blue vehicles. The new colour scheme of white and blue will be used for all solid waste management vehicles. 

These are the unique features of the new vehicle:

1. The new vehicles use a 5 mm Hardox steel floor, which increases durability and helps extend their working life. 

2. A hydraulic closing plate keeps the rear end sealed for hygiene and safe waste transport. 

3. The vehicles have enhanced seating, separate compartments for wet and dry waste, and long-lasting parts. 

4. The cabin has four seats for sanitation staff. The new compactors will also improve comfort for sanitation workers.

5. Each mini compactor has a 115 HP engine, a carrying capacity of 5 tonnes per trip, and a 9 cubic metre storage chamber. 

At present, Mumbai uses 219 BMC-owned vehicles and 1,264 contractor-operated vehicles to move nearly 7,000 tonnes of waste every day to the Kanjurmarg and Deonar dumping grounds. The transition will take place in phases. Over the next few months, the entire fleet will match the updated look.

The BMC has introduced a stronger design to address long-standing issues. The civic body also plans a major overhaul next year. More than 1,080 new micro compactors will be added. Each vehicle costs INR 45.7 lakh. Contractors have been asked to buy the same model and paint their vehicles in the same colour scheme.

The current fleet has around 1,300 trucks in three categories: large compactors, small compactors, and side-loading mini compactors. The new vehicles can carry heavier loads, so the total number of trucks will reduce. The upgraded fleet will have about 800 vehicles, including electric compactors. 

The new large compactors can carry up to 18,500 kg, compared to the earlier limit of 16,200 kg. Medium compactors can now carry 12,000 kg instead of 9,000 kg. Small compactors can carry 4,950 kg, up from 2,700 kg. All vehicles will follow the same colour code.