Key Features of SWM Rules, 2026:

• Four-stream segregation at source:
  • Wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste, and special care waste must be segregated at the point of generation.
• Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR):
  • Bulk waste generators (like large residential societies, institutions, commercial establishments) must collect, transport and process waste in an environmentally sound manner and process wet waste on-site where feasible.
• Polluter Pays & Environmental Compensation:
  • Rules provide for environmental compensation for violations (e.g., false reporting, lack of segregation) under the Polluter Pays Principle.
• Online Monitoring:
  • A centralized portal will track waste generation, collection, transportation, processing, disposal, biomining and remediation of legacy dumps.
• Land Allocation:
  • Guidelines for faster land allocation for waste processing facilities with buffer zones based on capacity and pollution load.
• Hilly & Island Areas:
  • Special provisions, including user fees on tourists and designated collection points for non-biodegradable waste.

Source: Down To Earth