New Delhi, March 30: The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, which integrate the principles of the circular economy and extended producer responsibility, will come into effect from April 1, with a specific focus on efficient waste segregation and management, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.
Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said that the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, mandate the segregation of solid waste at the source into four categories: wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste, and special care waste.
The new rules also define the responsibilities of bulk waste generators, ensuring that waste is collected, transported, and processed in an environmentally sound manner.
The rules also stipulate the online tracking and monitoring of all stages of solid waste management through a centralised online portal, including collection, transportation, processing, and disposal, according to Kirti Vardhan Singh.
The rules prescribe specific roles and responsibilities for urban and rural local bodies, state/UT governments, and central ministries.
The rules prescribe an increase in the fuel substitution rate from the current 5% to 15% over a six-year period for industrial units, including cement plants and waste-to-energy plants, for the use of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), the Minister of State said.
In order to facilitate faster allocation of land for solid waste processing and disposal facilities, the rules prescribe graded criteria for development, he said.
Kirti Vardhan Singh said that solid waste processing and disposal facilities are required to submit reports online.
Waste processing facilities are also subject to audits under the rules.
The rules also mandate the development and implementation of a time-bound action plan for the remediation of legacy waste and further strengthening of restrictions on the landfilling of solid waste, he said.
Special provisions for solid waste management in hilly areas and islands have also been included, apart from the provision for levying environmental compensation based on the "polluter pays" principle, he said.