New solid waste management rules applicable from April 1; what will change?

The article discusses the implementation of new Solid Waste Management Rules in India, which will take effect on April 1. These rules mandate four-stream segregation of solid waste at the source, categorizing waste into wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste. Bulk waste generators, defined as entities meeting specific criteria related to size, water consumption, or waste generation, are required to manage their waste responsibly. The rules aim to alleviate the burden on urban local bodies and promote decentralized waste management, incorporating principles of circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility. Additionally, non-compliance may result in environmental compensation under the "Polluter Pays" principle, with guidelines to be established by the Central Pollution Control Board. [Extracted from the article]