Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 29: The Union government on Wednesday notified the revised Solid Waste Management Rules, making four-stream segregation of solid waste at source mandatory and clearly defining responsibilities for bulk waste generators. The rules will come into effect from April 1, 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced.

Under the new rules, bulk waste generators include entities that meet any of the following criteria:

• Floor area of 20,000 square metres or more

• Water consumption of 40,000 litres per day or more

• Solid waste generation of 100 kilograms per day or more

This category covers central and state government departments, local bodies, public sector undertakings, institutions, commercial establishments, and residential societies.

Such entities are required to ensure that the waste they generate is collected, transported, and processed in an environmentally sound manner, in line with the rules. Authorities expect this measure to significantly reduce the burden on urban local bodies and promote decentralised waste management.

The rules also allow local bodies to levy user fees on waste generators as per their bylaws.

According to an official statement, the revised rules integrate principles of circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility, with a focus on efficient segregation and management of waste.

The rules provide for environmental compensation under the “Polluter Pays” principle for non-compliance, including:

• Operating without registration

• False reporting or submission of forged documents

• Improper solid waste management practices

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will prepare relevant guidelines, while State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees will enforce the environmental compensation measures.

These rules are seen as a significant step toward streamlined, accountable, and sustainable solid waste management across India.