Where to discard old sofa or mattress in Bengaluru? Request now on ‘DClutter’ app

Bengaluru: In a bid to address the growing issue of bulky waste being dumped along roadsides and public spaces, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) has launched a new mobile application, ‘DClutter’, allowing citizens to schedule doorstep pickup of large household waste items.

The initiative comes as Bengaluru continues to grapple with the improper disposal of bulky waste such as old furniture, mattresses, cupboards, broken sanitary fittings, footwear and discarded clothes — items that are often not collected through the city’s regular door-to-door waste collection system. According to BSWML, the absence of a structured collection mechanism had resulted in such waste frequently being abandoned in public areas, impacting cleanliness and creating environmental concerns.

Before rolling out the app, BSWML had undertaken a trial exercise by deploying tractors to collect bulky waste dumped on roadsides across Bengaluru. During the exercise, nearly 6,000 tonnes of bulky waste was collected, highlighting the scale of the issue.

Through the newly introduced ‘DClutter’ app, available on both Android and iOS platforms, residents can register, select the items they wish to discard and schedule a pickup directly from their homes. Officials said bulky waste collection will be carried out once a week, depending on the quantity and type of waste generated. While recyclable material will be scientifically processed through authorised recyclers, non-recyclable waste will be sent to waste-to-energy plants for disposal.

BSWML CEO Karigowda said the initiative had already received encouraging traction within hours of its launch, with over 450 requests being registered. “We have received good responses and we will act accordingly… it is better that people don’t dump it on roads,” he said, adding that the move is expected to reduce roadside dumping and encourage responsible disposal practices among citizens.

BSWML said the initiative aims to bridge a longstanding gap in Bengaluru’s waste management system and provide citizens with a more reliable and environmentally responsible disposal option, while keeping the city cleaner and free of bulky waste dumping.