The Supreme Court emphasized that segregation of garbage must start at home as it is crucial for the well-being of the environment.

Previous Observations by the Supreme Court

• The court had previously observed that solid waste management in Delhi was in a critical state, potentially leading to a public health emergency.
• It was noted that Delhi generates over 11,000 metric tonnes of solid waste daily, while its waste treatment plants have a capacity of only 8,073 metric tonnes.
  • Over 3,000 tonnes of untreated waste per day could result in severe health hazards.

Supreme court directive

• It was highlighted that waste-to-energy projects would be ineffective if waste segregation was not properly implemented.
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was directed to submit a report on the environmental impact of waste-to-energy projects.
• The NCR States of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan were ordered to file affidavits by the end of March 2025, detailing the level of compliance of their urban bodies with the SWM Rules, 2016.

About Solid Waste Management

• Solid Waste Management may be defined as the discipline associated with the control of generation, collection, storage, transfer and transport, processing and disposal of solid wastes in a manner that is in accord with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation, aesthetics and other environmental considerations.
• The most commonly recognized methods for the final disposal of solid wastes are:
  • Dumping on land
  • Dumping in water
  • Ploughing into the soil
  • Incineration

Provisions of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016

Key Responsibilities of Waste Generators

• Waste segregation must be done in three categories:
  • Wet waste (Biodegradable)
  • Dry waste (Plastic, Paper, Metal, Wood, etc.)
  • Domestic hazardous waste (Diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents, mosquito repellents, etc.)
• Segregated waste must be handed over to authorized rag-pickers, waste collectors, or local bodies.
• Burning, burying, or throwing solid waste in streets, public spaces, drains, or water bodies is strictly prohibited.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• User Fee: Waste generators must pay a fee to waste collectors.
• Spot Fine: Penalties will be imposed for littering and non-segregation of waste.

Waste Processing and Disposal Guidelines

• Biodegradable waste should be processed and treated within the premises as far as possible, through methods such as composting or bio-methanation.
• Manufacturers and brand owners of disposable products like tin, glass, and plastic packaging must financially support local authorities in establishing a waste management system.

Requirements for Waste Processing Facilities and Landfills

• All local bodies must establish waste processing facilities.
• Landfill sites must maintain minimum distance requirements:
  • 100 meters from a river
  • 200 meters from a pond
  • 200 meters from highways, habitations, public parks, and water supply wells
  • 20 kilometers from airports or air bases
• The rules provide detailed criteria for identifying landfill sites and waste processing facilities.