Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
India generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually, including 5.6 million tonnes of plastic, 0.17 million tonnes of biomedical waste, 2.9 million tonnes of hazardous waste, and 1.5 lakh tonnes of e-waste. Only 22–28% of municipal waste is processed.
Key Provisions
- Mandatory segregation of waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous streams at source.
- Integration of ragpickers and informal workers into the formal system.
- User fees and spot fines for littering and non-segregation.
- Strict timelines for setting up processing facilities, sanitary landfills, and remediating old dump sites.
- Ban on open burning, burying, or littering of waste in public places.
Timelines
- Processing facilities in large cities: within 2 years.
- Sanitary landfills in smaller towns: within 3 years.
- Remediation or capping of old dumpsites: within 5 years.
Responsibilities of Stakeholders
- Waste generators must segregate waste and pay user fees.
- Event organizers must ensure proper segregation and disposal during events.
- Resident Welfare Associations and gated communities must implement composting and segregation within one year.
Role of Ministries
- Ministry of Urban Development: Policy formulation, monitoring, capacity building.
- Ministry of Fertilizers: Promote compost alongside chemical fertilizers.
- Ministry of Power & MNRE: Support waste-to-energy plants and ensure power purchase.