Bengaluru: Leftover food particles from city’s kitchens are clogging the drains, as they are being let out in big clumps, posing a big problem for the BBMP. The Palike is now planning to ask owners of new houses and apartments to fix kitchen sink crushers, which turn food waste into smaller particles or liquids before letting it into the drains smoothly.
Mayor Sampath Raj told Deccan Chronicle, “It is just a proposal, but needs a lot of planning to fix crushers to sinks in new apartments and houses. We found that we were receiving a plethora of complaints pertaining to clogged drains, despite regular cleaning. When we checked, we found that food particles were obstructing the free flow of wastewater.”
He said, “BBMP officials tried to create awareness among residents on not letting food particles through drains, but it did not have any effect. At one of our meetings, the officials pointed to the problem and the idea of kitchen sink crushers was mooted. The discussion is still on, and during the next review meeting, a proposal will be placed before the committee members and corporators and we will see how it pans out.”
A senior BBMP officer said, “There are two types of kitchen sink crushers. One of them can be fixed to the bottom of the sink and it crushes leftover food particles and lets it into the drain. The other is a separate equipment, into which leftover food, like fruit and vegetables waste, egg shells and stale food is fed. The crusher grinds the food particles and turns it into liquid form.”
Both are not expensive and the range starts from Rs 2,000, which goes up depending on the capacity. Considering the amount of wet waste being generated in the city, it is a feasible idea, the official said.
The mayor said that implemented, the liquid waste that drips from garbage trucks can also be avoided. The liquid flowing from garbage trucks leave a stink behind, annoying the motorists, he said.
