New Solid Waste Rules from April 1

Apartments, Builders Face Stricter Compliance

The Centre has notified new solid waste management rules, making segregation of waste at source mandatory from April 1, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said. Under the revised norms, waste must be segregated into four categories—wet, dry, sanitary and special care waste—at the point of generation. Establishments with over 20,000 sq metres of built-up area, or those consuming more than 40,000 litres of water per day, or generating over 100 kg of solid waste daily, will be classified as bulk waste generators.

The category includes government departments, local bodies, public sector undertakings, institutions, commercial establishments and residential societies. Such entities will be responsible for collection, transportation and scientific processing of waste in an environmentally compliant manner.  The Centre said decentralised waste management would reduce the burden on urban local bodies and improve efficiency in handling municipal solid waste.

Separately, the Telangana government has directed builders in Hyderabad to strictly comply with green building norms, including adherence to the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), installation of electric vehicle charging points and scientific waste segregation. Developers have also been asked to provide sewage treatment plants, water recycling systems, fire safety equipment and third-party audits of rainwater harvesting systems, as part of efforts to promote sustainable urban development.