India’s Environment Ministry has drafted new rules for solid waste management rules 2024. 

• Effective Date: The rules will come into force on October 1, 2025.

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Key Highlights of the new Draft

• Mandatory Waste Segregation
  • Sanitation workers can refuse to collect unsegregated waste.
  • Fines/Penalties may be imposed on residential complexes and bulk waste generators if waste is not segregated at source.
    • This is based on the principle of “pollution pays principal” which means those who cause pollution should be responsible for cleaning it up or paying for the damage. 
  • Waste must be separated into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories (e.g., plastic, metal, glass).
• Duties of Gated Communities and Institutions
  • Residential complexes, hotels, restaurants, and institutions with areas over 5,000 sqm must:
    • Segregate waste at source.
    • Ensure collection of waste in separate streams.
    • Hand over recyclable material to authorized waste pickers or recyclers.
  • Biodegradable waste should ideally be processed through composting or bio-methanation within the premises.
  • Residual waste must be given to authorized waste collectors as directed by local authorities.
• Focus on Circular Economy
  • Unlike the previous rules, the new draft emphasizes market-based mechanisms for managing waste.
  • Provisions for ‘waste to energy’ processes and using solid waste in product manufacturing aim to promote circular economy practices.
• Penalty for Non-Compliance
  • Environmental compensation (penalty) will be imposed based on the polluter pays principle for non-compliance.
• Managing Agricultural Waste
  • Gram panchayats are responsible for ensuring no open burning of agricultural and horticultural waste.
    • In case, any person violates this rule, Heavy penalties will be levied against that person.