What are the new waste management rules in India?

New Solid Waste Management Rules require large commercial and residential entities to process their organic waste on-site or hire certified professionals, effective April 1.

How must waste be sorted under the new rules?

Waste must now be sorted into four categories: wet, dry, sanitary, and special care.

What happens if bulk waste generators do not comply with the rules?

Non-compliance with the new waste management rules can lead to environmental compensation based on the 'polluter pays' principle.

Home / Environment / Waste Burden Shifts: Big Generators Now Handle Own Trash

Waste Burden Shifts: Big Generators Now Handle Own Trash

28 Jan

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Summary

Large entities must process their organic waste on-site or hire professionals.
New rules mandate waste sorting into wet, dry, sanitary, and special care.
Environmental compensation applies for non-compliance under new waste rules.

Waste Burden Shifts: Big Generators Now Handle Own Trash

Effective April 1, India's Union environment ministry has introduced new Solid Waste Management Rules, superseding the 2016 framework. These regulations place the responsibility of processing organic waste onto large commercial and residential entities, such as malls, hotels, and housing societies, who are designated as "bulk waste generators." These entities must either manage their waste on-site or contract professional waste management services, obtaining an Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR) certificate.

The revised rules necessitate the segregation of trash into four distinct streams: wet waste for composting, dry waste for recycling, sanitary waste, and special care waste. This initiative aims to significantly alleviate the pressure on overextended municipal governments and foster a decentralized waste management system. The rules also integrate principles of the circular economy and extended producer responsibility.