Our responsibilities towards solid waste management

Huge quantity of solid waste is being generated by towns and metros. Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 has laid down responsibilities of waste generators. But there is no awareness regarding disposal of waste. This has resulted into huge environmental issues. Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 has laid down following duties for the waste generator:-

(1)  Segregate and store the waste generated in three separate types namely Bio-Degradable, Non Bio Degradable and Domestic Hazardous wastes. These will be put separately in suitable bins. Thereafter handover the segregated wastes to authorized waste pickers or waste collectors.

(2)  Waste like diapers, sanitary pads etc have been put in Non Bio Degradable category. These are to be wrapped in the pouches provided by the manufacturers or brand owners of these products or in a suitable wrapping material as instructed by the local authorities  and shall place the same in the bin meant for dry waste or non- bio-degradable waste.

(3)  If there is construction going on then construction and demolition waste is to be stored separately, as and when generated. This waste has to be kept in own premises. Thereafter this waste shall disposed off as per guidelines given in the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016.

(4)  You are required to store horticulture waste and garden waste generated from your premises separately inside your premises. Do not throw them outside. Thereafter this waste is to be disposed off as per the directions of the  local body from time to time. Be familiar with the orders of local authority in this regard.

(5)  You are not supposed to throw, burn or burry the solid waste generated, on streets, open public spaces outside your premises or in the drain or water bodies. These are strictly prohibited.

(6)  We as waste generators are required to pay such user fee for solid waste management, as specified in the bye-laws of the local bodies.

(7)  If you are organizing an event or gathering of more than one hundred persons at any unlicensed place then you are required to intimating the local body, at least three working days in advance. Also you as the organizer of such event shall ensure segregation of waste at source and handing over of segregated waste to waste collector or agency as specified by the local body.

(8)  In case of street vendors they shall keep suitable containers for storage of waste generated during the course of their activity. There may be waste generated like food waste, disposable plates, cups, cans, wrappers, coconut shells, leftover food, vegetables, fruits, etc. The vendor shall deposit such waste at waste storage depot or waste container or municipality/contractor vehicle as notified by the local body.

(9)  All Resident Welfare Associations and Market Associations shall, within one year from the date of notification of these rules and in partnership with the local body will ensure segregation of waste at source by the generators as prescribed in these rules. They will also facilitate collection of segregated waste in separate streams, handover recyclable material to either the authorized waste pickers or the authorized recyclers.  The bio-degradable waste shall be processed, treated and disposed off through composting or bio-methanation  within the premises as far as possible. The residual waste shall be given to the waste collectors or agency as directed by the local body.

(10)  All gated communities and institutions with more than 5,000 Sq Meter area shall, within one year from the date of notification of these rules and in partnership  with the local body, ensure segregation  of waste at source by the generators as prescribed  in these rules, facilitate  collection of segregated waste in separate streams, handover recyclable material to either the authorized waste pickers or the authorized recyclers.  The bio-degradable waste shall be processed, treated and disposed off through composting or bio-methanation within the premises as far as possible. The residual waste shall be given to the waste collectors or agency as directed by the local body.

(11)  All hotels and restaurants shall, within one year from the date of notification of these rules and in partnership with the local body ensure segregation of waste at source as prescribed in these rules, facilitate collection of segregated waste in separate streams, handover recyclable material to either the authorized waste pickers or the authorized recyclers.  The bio-degradable waste shall be processed, treated and disposed off through composting or bio-methanation within the premises as far as possible. The residual waste shall be given to the waste collectors or agency as directed by the local body.

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Article by Col P Chandra (Retd)