Bengaluru’s civic authorities have launched an unusual yet powerful campaign to combat the city’s growing litter menace by returning garbage to those who dump it on the streets. The initiative, part of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited’s (BSWML) joint cleanliness mission, aims to turn public negligence into personal accountability.

Trash with a Message

Residents who toss garbage on roads may now wake up to find the same waste delivered back to their doorsteps. Officials describe this as a symbolic “return gift” designed to shame offenders into adopting better habits.
Speaking to NDTV, Karigowda, CEO of BSWML, explained, “We have around 5,000 autos in Bengaluru that go to households for collection of dry and wet waste. Despite this, few people throw garbage on the roads.”

He added that BSWML relies on public video submissions and citywide CCTV footage to track offenders. “To create awareness (of not throwing garbage on the roads), this (initiative) is a sort of a return gift,” he said, noting that those caught are fined Rs 2,000 and have their garbage deposited right back at home.

A Festival Against Filth

The campaign aptly titled “Kasa Suriyuva Habba”, or “Festival of Pouring Garbage” has evolved into Bengaluru’s largest single-day anti-littering drive. Within just one day, 218 violations were recorded across 27 city divisions, collecting Rs 2.8 lakh in fines from residents and commercial establishments that flouted waste rules.

According to BSWML data, Padmanabhanagara, KR Pura, and Mahalakshmi Layout topped the list of areas penalised highlighting both strict enforcement and ongoing non-compliance. While KR Pura registered the highest number of cases (25), commercial hubs like Jayanagar, Bommanahalli, and Chickpet saw steeper penalties per violation, often targeting habitual or large-scale offenders.

Public Response: Applause and Anxiety

The drive has divided public opinion. Many residents welcomed the strict measures, calling them long overdue.

“This is a good thing  people are now afraid to dump waste outside, fearing it might be thrown back at their own doorstep,” said Ramesh Kumar from Banaswadi.

Others, however, say the campaign has caught some unaware. “Sometimes the pourakarmikas skip our homes. We can’t be blamed for that,” said Akhil Singh from Indiranagar. Rahul Lal, another resident, added, “We try to hand over waste early, but they refuse if it’s not segregated. Dumping it back at our homes isn’t the solution.”

Eyes on Every Corner

BSWML has intensified surveillance, deploying 198 marshals citywide to identify offenders and track illegal dumping sites. “We have been tracking violators for a week and speaking to residents who have seen people throwing garbage at empty sites and creating black spots. Once identified, we dump the garbage back at their doorstep. Only after they pay the penalty do we clear it and also educate them about segregation,” said Karee Gowda, CEO of BSWML.

Officials confirmed that fines now range between Rs 2,000 and Rs 10,000, depending on the severity of the violation. “Enough awareness campaigns have been done. Yet, many continue to litter. We are taking strict action to send a strong message,” Gowda added.

Beyond Fines: Building Long-Term Habits

To tackle garbage “black spots,” BSWML has reduced their number from 869 to 150 and is now setting up 65 waste kiosks across the city. Each kiosk, equipped with segregated bins, allows residents to drop waste responsibly during fixed hours. The first such kiosk in BTM Layout has already received positive feedback.

The civic body has also launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline (9448197197) where citizens can report uncollected waste or illegal dumps by sharing photos and location details. Officials promise real-time monitoring and swift cleanup action.

Clean Bengaluru, Shared Responsibility

For the BSWML, this campaign is more than just a crackdown it’s a cultural reset. “We have our workers going to each house educating people to segregate waste. We are creating awareness on social media and also requesting people not to throw garbage on the road,” said Karigowda, reminding residents that Bengaluru’s identity as the “Garden City” depends on collective discipline.

Despite mixed reactions, one thing is clear: Bengaluru’s garbage-return drive has flipped the script on civic irresponsibility, showing that when awareness fails, accountability can make all the difference.