Key Highlights of the Revised Solid Waste Management Framework

1. Mandatory Four-Stream Segregation at Source

The revised Solid Waste Management framework mandates compulsory segregation of waste at the point of generation into four distinct streams to ensure efficient processing and resource recovery:

a) Wet Waste: Includes kitchen waste, vegetable peels, fruit scraps, meat, flowers, and other biodegradable materials. This waste must be composted or treated through bio-methanation at the nearest authorized facility or processed on-site wherever feasible.

b) Dry Waste: Consists of recyclable materials such as plastic, paper, metal, glass, wood, rubber, and similar items. These materials shall be transported to designated Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for sorting, recycling, and further processing.

c) Sanitary Waste: Includes used diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, and similar items. Such waste must be securely wrapped and stored separately to ensure safe handling and disposal.

d) Special Care Waste: Covers hazardous household waste such as paint containers, bulbs, mercury thermometers, expired medicines, and similar materials. This category must be handed over to authorized agencies or deposited at designated collection centers for scientific disposal.

2. Definition and Responsibilities of Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs)

The rules provide a clear definition of Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) and prescribe specific compliance obligations. An entity qualifies as a Bulk Waste Generator if it meets any one of the following criteria:

• Floor area of 20,000 sq. m. or more

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

• Solid waste generation of 100 kg per day or more

This category includes government departments, public sector undertakings, local bodies, educational institutions, residential societies, hotels, hospitals, commercial establishments, markets, stadiums, and other institutional or commercial entities.

Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR)

A significant addition to the framework is the introduction of Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR), under which bulk waste generators are accountable for the environmentally sound management of the waste they produce.

Key obligations include:

• Mandatory on-site processing of wet waste, wherever feasible

• Obtaining an EBWGR certificate if on-site processing is not possible

• Ensuring environmentally sound collection, transportation, and processing of all

• waste streams

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are responsible for issuing EBWGR certificates. These

certificates will be generated only after registered wet waste treatment facilities submit verified reports on the quantity of wet waste received and processed through the centralized online portal.

3. Responsibilities of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)

The revised rules strengthen institutional accountability of ULBs by assigning the following responsibilities:

• Ensuring that waste collection and transportation fleets are equipped with GPS tracking devices (mandatory for cities with populations above 50,000)

• Registering all waste management entities and ensuring compliance with reporting mechanisms

4. Environmental Compensation Based on the ‘Polluter Pays’ Principle

To strengthen enforcement, the rules introduce environmental compensation mechanisms grounded in the Polluter Pays principle.

Penalties may be imposed for:

• Operating waste management facilities without proper registration

• Submission of false or forged documentation

• Improper waste handling, processing, or disposal practices

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will develop detailed guidelines for environmental compensation, while State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) will be responsible for levying and enforcing penalties

5. Centralized Online Portal for End-to-End Tracking

A centralized digital portal, to be developed by CPCB, will ensure transparency, traceability, and efficient monitoring of the entire waste management value chain.

The portal will track:

• Waste generation, collection, and transportation

• Processing and final disposal

• Biomining and bioremediation of legacy dumpsites

• Registration and authorization of processing facilities

• Facility-wise reporting and audit submissions

This system replaces the existing fragmented and manual reporting mechanisms, streamlining data management and regulatory oversight.

6. Mandatory Use of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) by Industries

The rules mandate the progressive substitution of conventional solid fuels with Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) in industries such as cement plants and Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facilities.

• Minimum substitution: 5% (current)

• Target substitution: 15% within six years

RDF is defined as fuel derived from high-calorific, non-recyclable fractions of municipal solid waste such as plastics, textiles, and paper.

Thought provocation: However, maintaining the prescribed calorific value at the MRF level remains a key operational challenge due to fluctuations in waste composition and quality.

7. Stricter Restrictions on Landfilling

The revised rules significantly restrict landfill usage. Only the following waste types are permitted in sanitary landfills:

• Non-recyclable waste

• Non-energy recoverable waste

• Inert materials

• Processing residues

Wet waste and construction & demolition (C&D) waste are strictly prohibited from being disposed of in sanitary landfills. Additionally, higher landfill fees will be imposed on local bodies disposing of unsegregated waste, with fees intentionally exceeding the cost of proper segregation, transportation, and processing to discourage non-compliance. Annual landfill audits will be conducted by SPCBs under the supervision of District Collectors.

8. Remediation of Legacy Waste Dumpsites

To address existing dumpsite challenges, the rules mandate:

• Comprehensive mapping and scientific assessment of all legacy dumpsites

• Time-bound biomining and bioremediation initiatives

• Quarterly progress reporting through the centralized portal

This approach aims to reclaim land, reduce environmental risks, and scientifically process accumulated legacy waste.

Thought provocation: In India formation of waste dumpsite is recurring phenomenon. The reason is poor level of segregation and processing. In future formation of new dumpsite needs to be checked

9. Accelerated Land Allocation for Waste Processing Facilities

The framework introduces graded criteria for land allocation to waste processing facilities, particularly those with capacities exceeding 5 tonnes per day.

• Mandatory buffer zones within the allotted facility area

• CPCB to prescribe buffer zone size and permissible activities based on pollution load and capacity

These provisions are expected to expedite land allocation and reduce project implementation delays.

10. Special Provisions for Hilly Areas and Island Regions

Recognizing geographical constraints, the rules provide tailored measures for ecologically sensitive regions, including:

• Levy of user fees on tourists

• Regulation of tourist inflow based on waste management capacity

• Designated collection points for non-biodegradable waste

• Mandatory decentralized wet waste processing by hotels and restaurants

• Active community participation in waste handover to local bodies

11. Duties and Regulatory Framework for Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)

Material Recovery Facilities are formally recognized as critical infrastructure for sorting and channelizing waste.

The rules stipulate that:

• All MRF operators must be registered with the Urban Local Body

• Sorted recyclables and non-recyclables must be channelized only through authorized processing units

• Facilities must report the quantity and type of waste received through the centralized online portal

• MRFs may function as collection and deposition points for e-waste, sanitary waste, and special care waste

• ULBs are encouraged to explore carbon credit generation through efficient waste management operations

12. Implementation Framework and Governance Structure

For effective implementation, the rules provide for structured governance through Central and State-level committees.

• State/UT-level committees chaired by the Chief Secretary or Head of Administration will recommend implementation measures to CPCB

• Sanitation and rural solid waste departments are mandated to prioritize peri-urban and rural areas to ensure integrated and comprehensive waste management coverage

Overall, the revised Solid Waste Management framework emphasizes decentralized processing, accountability of waste generators, digital transparency, scientific disposal, and circular economy principles to strengthen sustainable waste management across urban and rural ecosystems.