Waste Management Laws and Rules in India

Waste Management Laws and Rules in India play a major role today because the country produces waste at a rate that has never been seen before. While every person adds to this issue, most of the waste comes from growing cities and fast-moving industries. This rise creates serious risks for public health and the environment.

Proper waste management is now a legal duty for every business. Companies must follow these laws to avoid fines, legal trouble, and damage to their public image. To do this well, you must first understand the regulations that apply to your operations. The sections below explain these rules in a clear and simple way so you can stay compliant and run your business responsibly.

What Are the Rules of Zero-Waste?

Zero-waste principles are introduced to be a guiding framework for reducing waste from the origin. Although it may not be possible to get rid of waste entirely, the zero-waste approach allows individuals to minimize it as much as possible using a clear order of steps.

The waste hierarchy comprises four essential stages:

• Reduce: The first step is reducing the amount of waste that is generated by optimizing processes with the help of efficient tools and procedures, which, in turn, eliminates unnecessary materials from operations. 
• Reuse: Extend the life of each product or material by using them repeatedly wherever possible, be it for their original purpose or alternative applications, making it easy to minimize the need for new resources.
• Recycle: Use an old product or material to turn it into a new one, preserving useful resources in the production cycle while minimizing strain on landfills.
• Residual: Make sure to only dispose of unwanted materials and unavoidable waste using responsible and approved methods if there is no other available option.

This hierarchical approach is useful and essential because it minimizes environmental impact, preserves raw materials, promotes economic growth through recovery, and reduces waste sent to landfills. The waste management policy of India includes these steps after assessing the level of priority for each. Prevention, minimization, reuse, recycling, recovery, co-processing, and safe disposal are a few of the key strategies involved in this process.

What Is the Waste Management Act 2016?

The Hazardous and Other Wastes Rules of 2016 include India’s most important and inclusive guidelines for managing hazardous waste. On 3rd June, 2015, it was published under notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This Act keeps every occupier of a facility responsible when it comes to the handling, generation, storage, transportation, reuse, recycling, and other steps involved in the disposal of hazardous and other wastes.

Key objectives of the 2016 Act include:

1. Clearly defining what counts as hazardous waste and how it should be classified.
2. Requiring proper separation, storage, and labeling of hazardous materials.
3. Outlining the responsibilities of those who generate, transport, or dispose of waste.
4. Controlling the import and export of hazardous and other wastes.
5. Making sure wastes are managed and treated in an environmentally safe way.
6. Protecting people’s health and the environment by enforcing strict rules.

These regulations bring to attention the unique threats created by hazardous waste because of its toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive, or explosive characteristics. It also emphasizes the need for proper management to reduce contamination of soil, groundwater, and air, which often causes irreversible environmental damage and health hazards.

What Are the Waste Management Rules in India?

India’s waste management framework includes several rules that you need to learn more about and follow to prevent the possibility of fines or legal penalties. Hence, let us now take a closer look at them for better understanding:

1. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016

Solid Waste Management Rules were first introduced in India in 2016, and they mandated waste segregation at the source. Every municipality, waste generator, and facility operator in the nation must adhere to these regulations to operate without any issues. 

It stated that waste should be separated into three categories, namely, biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous, before collection. It is also better to keep in mind that failure to segregate waste at source can result in substantial fines and mandatory corrective action orders.

2. Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change brought in the Hazardous & Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules in 2016 because they wished to ensure the methodical handling and structured disposal of produced waste. 

Since the growth of industries in India has seen a rapid growth over the years, this act reduces the possibility of severe environmental problems caused by huge quantities of hazardous waste. Waste classification, generator responsibilities, storage requirements, labeling & documentation, transportation, and disposal options are some of the many approaches involved in this regulation.

3. Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2022

In 2022, India inaugurated the Plastic Waste Management Rules under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. These regulations came into being after a thorough evaluation of the rapid growth of plastic pollution and aim to reduce the impact with the help of measures like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and proper disposal guidelines for all stakeholders. 

It declared manufacturers, importers, and brand owners in charge of plastic waste collection and recycling. As a result, single-use plastics became prohibited, and the use of environmentally friendly materials was encouraged across industries and households.

4. E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change unveiled the E-Waste Management Rules in 2016 through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These regulations direct the collection, storage, and recycling of electronic and electrical waste. 

This Act came into existence as a counter approach to minimize the negative impact of the significant amount of obsolete electronics India produces annually. It ensures that manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment follow Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, set up collection centers, and guarantee that e-waste is handled and recycled only by authorized facilities.

5. Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016

Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules of 2016 came into force by the Central Government. They were introduced as a way to oversee and regulate the biomedical waste generated by hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, veterinary establishments, and research facilities. 

With their introduction, these specified centers were urged to dispose of and treat waste correctly, assign skilled staff for handling, implement color-coded containers, and classify biomedical waste into types. Heavy penalties and potential suspension of operational licenses are the consequences of failing to comply with these rules.

6. Hazardous Waste Storage, Labeling, and Container Management

Waste management rules in India also state that proper storage is just as essential as disposal when it comes to preventing environmental and health hazards. Therefore, entrepreneurs should use compatible containers for waste contents, keep them closed unless garbage is being added or removed, and prevent leaking, bulging, or rusting of these bins. 

When storing these vessels, keep in mind to also label them specifically with waste category, characteristics, total quantity, date of storage, and emergency contact information. Additionally, if you deal with large quantities of ignitable or reactive waste, place the containers at least 15 meters from your property to prevent accidents.

7. Waste Minimization and Cleaner Production Requirements

India’s waste management rules also include a provision that demands occupiers develop a policy to reduce the volume and toxicity of waste generated. Entrepreneurs can design this plan based on their facility’s capacity, available technology, and economic feasibility. 

This aspect allows the minimization of both current and future risks to human health and the environment simultaneously. However, employee training, equipment upgrades, exploration of alternative materials, and continuous monitoring of production processes are necessary to achieve this target successfully.

8. Record Keeping and Compliance Documentation

It is also stated by the waste management rules that every company in India should maintain detailed reports of at least three years at all times, covering hazardous waste forms, analysis reports, training certificates, SPCB annual filings, and event reports. 

Occupiers are also required to submit annual returns to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) by the 30th of June for the corresponding financial year. Do not forget to include detailed information about the generation, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste at your facility in these returns to improve compliance.  

How S&IB Services Helps Companies with Expert Waste Management Services in India?

No matter how long you have been a part of India’s industrial landscape, its complex waste management regulations can still seem confusing. In times like these, it is better to take the help of S&IB because we offer comprehensive solutions that can help you meet all legal requirements and minimize environmental impact. Here’s how we can be of use to you:

1. Waste Segregation and Classification Services

Our experts will guide you through the process of implementing proper waste segregation protocols at the point of generation. We can ensure hazardous materials are separated from non-hazardous waste, classify waste according to regulatory schedules, and identify different waste streams. As a result, it will be easier to prevent contamination of recyclable materials, minimize disposal costs, and provide evidence of adherence to authorities.

2. Storage Area Management and Monitoring

At S&IB, we have all the necessary equipment and knowledge to develop storage facilities that adhere to all SPCB and CPCB regulations. With our help, you will find it easy to label containers, maintain storage areas, regularly conduct inspections, detect leaks or damage, and document storage start dates. Other than that, we also make sure your organization leverages the right secondary containment systems, emergency equipment, and safety protocols to safeguard your operation and the environment.

3. Record Keeping and Documentation

To make sure you can comply during audits and inspections, we maintain accurate records of every little company detail on your behalf. Our facilities include organized tracking of disposal proofs, transport documents, storage intervals, and generated waste records. As a result, it will be easier for you to access any necessary data whenever you want, reduce audit risks, and steer clear of penalties.

4. Employee Training and Compliance

Every professional who is a part of our team at S&IB undergoes regular training on waste management regulations, handling procedures, and emergency response protocols to improve security and facility management. Additionally, we also assist you in creating the perfect training programs for future employees. This aspect will make it convenient to minimize accidents or spills and understand responsibilities under the law.

5. Customized Solutions for Your Industry

At S&IB, we also understand that each company in India has specific waste streams and regulatory requirements, so we create customized plans for each. Regardless of whether you run a manufacturing facility, corporate office, healthcare institution, or research center, we can tend to your needs. Moreover, we also study unique challenges of different industries to balance compliance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility accordingly.

Contact Us Today!

Although waste management regulations in India are complex, the right assistance can make it convenient to adhere to them. S&IB can be there for you during this situation and encourage top-notch compliance at all times. 

We will offer the right solutions to reduce ecological footprint, strengthen brand image, and avoid costly sanctions. Contact us today to know more about our comprehensive waste management procedures!

If you need expert help with compliance, S&IB offers full waste management services for businesses across India.