Page 37 - Plastics News March 2026
P. 37
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
STRICT WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES TO COME INTO
EFFECT IN KERALA ON APRIL 1
The new rules introduce Extended Bulk Waste
Generator Responsibility, making such entities
accountable for on-site wet waste processing
or obtaining certification if decentralised treat-
ment is not feasible. The bulk waste generators
account for nearly 30 percent of the total sol-
id waste generation. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh
said that the upcoming Waste Management
Rule 2026, including provisions like keeping four
types of segregation bins, are already being
he local bodies in the state are preparing
for a major overhaul in waste manage- practised in Kerala.
Tment with the Solid Waste Management “We are already giving a major thrust for segre-
Rules, 2026 by the Union Ministry of Environ- gation here. This suggests that Kerala’s decen-
ment, Forest and Climate Change coming into tralised model might have inspired parts of the
effect on April 1. The new rules supersede the new solid waste management rule 2026. It’s a
2016 framework and introduce mandatory four- matter of pride that Kerala’s model is being im-
stream segregation, stricter penalties and on- plemented at the national level and recognised
line monitoring of the entire waste management globally. This indicates the progress the state has
chain. made in waste management since the launch of
Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign,” said
As per the new rules, all waste generators M B Rajesh.
should compulsorily segregate waste into wet,
dry, sanitary and special care categories. The The new rules also give special focus on hilly
rules will give more powers to the Haritha Karma areas with provisions for user fees on tourists
Sena members as they will have to ensure strict and regulated inflow based on waste handling
compliance at the household level. capacity.
A significant change is the clear definition of Bulk An official said that implementation is going to
Waste Generators (BWGs)- entities with a floor be the key and the challenge lies in behavioural
area above 20,000 sq m, water use exceed- change and enforcement at the grassroots level.
ing 40,000 litres per day, or waste generation
above 100 kg per day. Apartments, institutions, Key aspects of waste management rules 2026
malls and government offices fall under this cat-
egory. ♦ Waste must be separated into wet/com-
postable, dry/recyclable, sanitary and spe-
March 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 37
