Relevance: GS III (Environment & Pollution) | Source: The Indian Express

1. The Shift: From Dumping to Processing

The government has notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, replacing the decade-old 2016 rules. The core philosophy has shifted from “Municipal Responsibility” to “Shared Responsibility.”

2. Key Mandates: Four-Way Segregation

To fix the problem at the source, the rules have expanded the segregation protocol.

  • The Rule: Households and entities must now segregate waste into four categories (previously three):
    1. Dry Waste (Paper, Plastic)
    2. Wet Waste (Kitchen Organics)
    3. Hazardous Waste (Paint, Chemicals)
    4. Sanitary Waste (Masks, Diapers, Bulbs) – New Focus

3. Bulk Generators & “Polluter Pays”

  • Bulk Generators: Large entities (buildings >20,000 sq. m or generating >100kg waste/day) must process their own biodegradable waste on-site.
  • Landfill Levies: To discourage dumping, higher fees will be charged for sending unsegregated waste to landfills. The goal is to make landfills the “last resort” only for non-recyclable inert waste.

4. Legacy Waste & Digital Tracking

  • The Deadline: Cities must clear old “garbage mountains” (Legacy Waste) through Biomining and bioremediation by October 31, 2026.
  • Tech Push: A centralized Digital Portal will track waste from the picker to the processing plant, ensuring transparency.

UPSC Value Box

Concept / Term Relevance for Prelims
Biomining The process of using microorganisms (bacteria) to extract metals or degrade organic compounds from waste heaps. It is the primary method used to clear Legacy Waste (old landfills).
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) A policy approach where producers (manufacturers of electronics, plastics) are given significant responsibility—financial and/or physical—for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products.
SDG 12 Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The SWM Rules 2026 directly aim to achieve this global target.

Q. With reference to the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, consider the following statements:

  1. The rules mandate the segregation of waste at the source into four distinct categories, including a specific category for sanitary waste.
  2. “Bulk Waste Generators” are legally responsible for processing their own biodegradable waste on-site.
  3. The rules aim to eliminate all landfills in India by the end of 2026.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)

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