- The regulations, surpassing the Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules of 2000, now encompass urban agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial townships, and other areas beyond municipal boundaries.Â
- These regulations highlight the importance of waste separation at the source, place responsibility on manufacturers for packaging and sanitary waste disposal, and propose user fees for collection, processing, and disposal from bulk generators.
- Furthermore, the regulations recommend, to the maximum extent possible, the processing, handling, and disposal of biodegradable waste on the premises through composting or bio-methanation.Â
- Any remaining waste is to be handed over to waste collectors or the designated agency according to local government instructions.Â
- The regulations actively promote the use of compost, the conversion of waste into energy, and the adjustment of landfill site and capacity limitations.
- To oversee the general implementation of these regulations, the government has instituted a Central Monitoring Committee chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).Â
- The committee is tasked with monitoring how the regulations are applied across the board.
- The rules for the safe treatment of waste mandate bio-remediation and bio-mining at all open dumpsites and existing dumpsites throughout India.Â
- Additionally, every Indian citizen is obligated under Article 51 A (g) of the Indian Constitution to protect and enhance the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and animals, and to demonstrate compassion for all living beings.
FEATURES OF SWM RULES 2016
- Waste Segregation Is Vital:
- All waste producers must segregate their garbage into three categories: biodegradables, dry waste (plastic, paper, metal, wood), and domestic hazardous waste (napkins, insect repellents, cleaning supplies).
- Disposal And Collection Of Sanitary Napkins:
- Manufacturers must provide a disposal bag or wrapper with their products to handle sanitary waste, such as diapers and sanitary pads.
- Collect Back System For Non-Biodegradable Packaging Waste:
- Brand owners using non-biodegradable or unsustainable packaging must establish a system to collect back the resulting packaging waste.
- User Fees and Spot Fines Introduced:
- Waste generators are required to pay fees to garbage collectors for services, and local bodies have the authority to impose spot fines for littering or rule violations.
- Guidelines for Waste Processing and Treatment:
- Biodegradable waste should be processed on-site through composting or bio-methanation, and the remaining waste should be handed over to waste collectors as directed by local authorities.
- Promoting Use of Compost:
- The Fertilizer Department and Chemicals Ministry will provide city compost to assist business growth, promoting co-commercialisation with chemical fertilisers.
- Promotion of Waste to Energy:
- Industrial units within 100 kilometres of a solid waste-based Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) plant must replace at least 5% of their fuel requirement with RDF within six months.
- Dump Site Regulations:
- Dump sites must be located at specified distances from rivers, ponds, habitations, public parks, water supply wells, airports, and air bases.
- Management of Waste in Hilly Areas:
- Development on hills should be avoided, and sanitary sites in hilly areas should be located in plain areas within 25 kilometres.
- Central Monitoring Committee:
- A committee chaired by the Secretary of the MoEF&CC will oversee overall law enforcement, meeting annually to track the enforcement of these laws.
- Integration of Waste Pickers/Rag Pickers:
- State governments, Self Help Groups, or other formed groups should integrate waste pickers and dealers into the formal waste management system.
- Prohibition of Improper Waste Disposal:
- Individuals are prohibited from throwing, burning, or burying solid waste on streets, public spaces, drains, or water bodies outside their premises.
- Collaborative Responsibility in Swachh Bharat:
- Collaboration is introduced for waste segregation and sorting, making bulk and institutional generators, market associations, event organizers, hotels, and restaurants directly responsible.
- Street Vendor Responsibility:
- Street vendors must use appropriate containers for waste generated during their activities and deposit the waste at designated storage depots or vehicles.
- Recovery and Recycling Facilities:
- Developers of Special Economic Zones, industrial estates, and industrial parks must allocate at least 5% of the total area or 5 plots/sheds for recovery and recycling facilities.
- Financial Assistance from Disposable Product Manufacturers:
- Manufacturers of disposable products and brand owners introducing such products must provide financial assistance to local governments for establishing waste management systems.
ITS LIMITATIONS
- Centralized Treatment Emphasis:
- The rules predominantly advocate centralized treatment methods like waste-to-energy, neglecting the potential advantages of decentralized waste management, which might not align with the current needs of the nation.
- Undervaluation of Informal Sector:
- The new guidelines fail to adequately recognize the importance of the informal sector in waste management, potentially undermining the significant role played by informal workers.
- Unclear Monitoring System:
- There is a lack of clarity regarding the operational mechanisms of the monitoring system outlined in the rules. The specifics of how the system will function and the extent of fees imposed on plastic manufacturers remain ambiguous.
- Behavioral Adjustment Challenges:
- The rules do not address the behavioral adjustments required from the public in the production of domestic garbage. Effective waste management necessitates behavioral changes, and authorities should focus on enforcing established standards.
FAQs about Solid Waste Management Rules 2016:
1. What areas do the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 cover?
A: The rules extend their jurisdiction to urban agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial townships, and areas beyond municipal boundaries.
2. What are the key principles emphasized by these rules?
A: The rules highlight the importance of waste segregation at the source, place responsibility on manufacturers for packaging and sanitary waste disposal, and propose user fees for waste collection, processing, and disposal.
3. How does the government monitor the implementation of these rules?
A: A Central Monitoring Committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), oversees the general implementation of these regulations.
4. What are the features of waste segregation under the rules?
A: Waste producers are required to segregate their garbage into three categories: biodegradables, dry waste (plastic, paper, metal, wood), and domestic hazardous waste.
5. How are sanitary napkins addressed in the regulations?
A: Manufacturers must provide a disposal bag or wrapper for sanitary waste with their products, ensuring proper handling of items like diapers and sanitary pads.
6. What responsibility do brand owners have for non-biodegradable packaging waste?
A: Brand owners using non-biodegradable packaging must establish a system to collect back the resulting packaging waste.
7. Are there penalties for improper waste disposal?
A: Yes, the rules introduce user fees for waste generators and spot fines for those found littering or violating waste management rules.
8. What guidelines are provided for waste processing and treatment?
A: Biodegradable waste should be processed on-site through composting or bio-methanation, and the remaining waste should be handed over to waste collectors as directed by local authorities.
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