PCMC Defers In-House Wet Waste Rule After Strong Opposition from Housing Societies Federation

Pimpri-Chinchwad | In a significant relief for thousands of housing societies across Pimpri-Chinchwad, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has temporarily deferred its proposed decision to stop collecting wet waste from bulk waste generators from July 1. The move comes after sustained opposition led by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation (PCCHSF), which strongly challenged the proposal through detailed technical presentations, legal references and policy-based arguments before the Standing Committee and municipal administration.

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The Federation maintained a consistent stand from the beginning that housing societies should not be compelled to establish in-house wet waste management facilities while simultaneously paying full property taxes to the municipal corporation.

“Our position has been clear from Day One. If citizens are paying substantial property taxes for municipal services, PCMC cannot shift its statutory responsibility of bulk waste collection onto housing societies. If the Corporation is unable to provide this service, it should offer an appropriate concession in annual property tax,” Federation representatives stated.

The Federation also pointed out that while the civic body had been sending repeated property tax payment reminders to taxpayers until June 30, it was simultaneously attempting to withdraw an essential municipal service.

PCMC Takes a Step Back

Earlier, the PCMC Health Department had announced that from July 1 it would stop collecting wet waste from establishments generating more than 100 kilograms of waste per day, including large residential societies, banquet halls, hostels, industries and commercial establishments.

The decision was based on the Solid Waste Management Rules notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on January 27, 2026. Under these provisions, bulk waste generators are expected to process biodegradable waste within their premises through composting or biomethanation and obtain necessary certifications.

However, the proposal triggered widespread opposition from housing societies across the city. During consultations with municipal officials, representatives questioned both the legal interpretation and practical implementation of the proposed policy, arguing that mandatory in-house processing would impose substantial financial and operational burdens on residents.

Following the strong response from housing societies, public representatives also extended their support to the residents’ concerns.

Wet Waste Collection to Continue for Now

Acknowledging the concerns raised, the Health Department has now clarified that wet waste collection from housing societies will continue until a final policy decision is taken after further discussions with the Municipal Commissioner and elected representatives. Deputy Commissioner of Health Dr. Pradeep Thengal stated that while the survey of bulk waste generators would continue, the proposed suspension of wet waste collection has been kept on hold for the time being. According to PCMC, the city has 1,195 establishments generating more than 100 kilograms of waste per day. The civic administration is currently conducting surveys to assess whether these establishments already have functional waste processing systems before deciding on future enforcement.

Federation Calls for Continued Unity

Welcoming the administration’s decision to defer implementation, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation (PCCHSF) described it as a victory for collective representation and constructive dialogue. The Federation appealed to all housing societies across the city to remain united, continue supporting the organization and collectively safeguard the interests of residents in future policy matters. “United voices have ensured that the concerns of housing societies have been heard. PCCHSF will continue to represent and protect the interests of cooperative housing societies across Pimpri-Chinchwad,” Federation representatives said.

“From day one, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation has taken a firm stand based on technical facts, legal provisions and practical realities. The decision to defer the implementation of mandatory in-house wet waste management is a victory for the collective voice of thousands of housing societies and demonstrates the strength of constructive dialogue. We are fully committed to environmental protection and scientific waste management; however, the statutory responsibility of municipal waste collection cannot simply be shifted onto residents while they continue to pay full property taxes. If the Municipal Corporation expects housing societies to undertake this responsibility, it must also reconsider the burden of property taxes. PCCHSF will continue to stand united and work tirelessly to protect the legitimate interests and rights of housing societies across Pimpri-Chinchwad.”

— Sachin Londhe, President, Pimpri-Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation (PCCHSF)

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