SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike (BBMP) has proposed a Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess of ₹100 per month for each household.

Waste Management Rules and Guidelines in India

• Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016: The rules emphasize the importance of waste segregation at the source, hold manufacturers accountable for packaging and sanitary waste disposal, and suggest implementing user fees for waste collection, processing, and disposal.
• Environment Protection Act (1986): It was enforced in 1986 to safeguard and enhance the environment.

oResponsibility Mandate: Industrial units and corporations are obligated to act responsibly to safeguard the environment and regulate waste generation.

• Hazardous Waste Management Rules: Notified to ensure safe handling, processing, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste.
• E-Waste Management Rules: Aimed at preventing the leakage of e-waste into informal sectors at all stages of its management.

oApplicability: Applicable to producers, consumers, recyclers, and all involved in the e-waste lifecycle.

• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016): Focuses on minimizing plastic waste, source segregation, and involving stakeholders in waste management.
• Bio-medical Waste Management Rules (2016): Applies to entities generating, collecting, storing, transporting, and handling biomedical waste.

Solid Waste Management (SWM)

• Solid Waste: It refers to the undesired or nonessential solid materials produced from human activities in residential, industrial, or commercial zones.
• Examples of Solid Waste: Common examples of solid waste include paper, plastics, glass, metal, textiles, food scraps, yard waste, and electronic waste.
• Present Status: India currently generates 62 million tons of waste annually, as reported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Growth Rate: The waste generation shows an average annual growth rate of 4%.
• SWM Cess by ULBs: It levy user fees or SWM cess as per the provisions of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.