The city’s growing garbage crisis, long viewed as an environmental and administrative challenge, could actually unlock a massive economic opportunity valued at an estimated ₹15,000 crore to ₹20,000 crore every year. Experts at a day-long conference on Circular Economy and Sustainability organised by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) highlighted that Bengaluru must shift its mindset—moving from treating waste as a burden to recognising it as a valuable resource capable of transforming the economy.

Waste as a hidden economic asset

Researchers pointed out that Bengaluru generates more than 6,000MT of solid waste daily, describing it as a “hidden goldmine”. They noted that a well-planned circular economy built around solid waste, construction debris, sewage and e-waste could drastically improve the city’s finances, reduce carbon emissions by up to 25 per cent and create nearly 1–2 lakh green jobs, especially within the MSME sector.

AV Manjunatha, associate professor and head of the Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources at the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC), stated that decentralised waste collection, strict source segregation, composting and widespread public participation could together help Bengaluru tap into a multi-thousand-crore opportunity. He emphasised that a granular approach to waste management is necessary if the city wants to build a resilient and scalable circular economy model.

Economic potential of solid waste management

Analysing KSPCB’s waste-generation estimates, Manjunatha explained that Bengaluru alone could earn close to ₹1,030 crore annually through user fees and solid-waste processing. He further broke down the potential revenues:

  • User charges for daily waste management in the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) area could generate about ₹870 crore.
  • Fees for construction and demolition (C&D) waste may add another ₹100 crore.
  • Composting wet waste could contribute nearly ₹44 crore.
  • Converting dry waste into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) may bring in around ₹16 crore each year.

Experts at the conference stressed that such revenue streams could dramatically reduce the financial burden on municipal bodies while enabling a more sustainable waste-processing ecosystem.

Sewage treatment as a revenue generator

Sewage, often perceived as one of Bengaluru’s biggest challenges, is also a highly undervalued resource, researchers said. Bengaluru produces nearly 1,480 MLD of wastewater. With efficient treatment systems, the city could reclaim around 1,153 MLD of reusable water. Sold at ₹300 per 1,000 litres, this reclaimed water has the potential to generate an estimated ₹346 crore annually for the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

This shift could not only ease pressure on freshwater sources but also play a crucial role in long-term water security, particularly as Bengaluru continues to grapple with rapid urbanisation and rising demand for potable water.

The massive value locked in e-waste

Experts also drew attention to Karnataka’s enormous e-waste output. The state generates nearly 2.9 lakh tonnes of e-waste every year with an estimated market value of ₹2,886 crore. However, due to inadequate recovery and recycling systems, only ₹317 crore is realised. Strengthening e-waste collection networks, implementing robust recycling systems and enforcing extended producer responsibility (EPR) mechanisms could help Karnataka recover the remaining value and significantly boost the circular economy.

The need for coordinated, long-term action

Speakers at the conference collectively emphasised that unlocking this circular economy potential requires coordinated action among government agencies, private firms, researchers and civil society organisations. Better recycling infrastructure, decentralised systems, behavioural change and streamlined policies are key components for success.

They warned that without structural reforms, Bengaluru risks not only environmental degradation but also the loss of a multi-thousand-crore economic opportunity.

Conclusion

While Bengaluru’s waste crisis has often been viewed through the lens of pollution, landfill pressure and civic inconvenience, experts argue that it can instead be reimagined as a powerful economic engine. With strategic planning, public participation and sustained government support, the city has the opportunity to build a circular economy worth ₹15,000 crore to ₹20,000 crore annually—transforming waste into wealth and fostering long-term environmental sustainability.