New Solid Waste Management Rules Notified, Effective April 1: Bhupender Yadav

• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced new Solid Waste Management Rules, effective April 1.
• Mandatory four-stream segregation at source: wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste.
• Bulk waste generators (e.g., large establishments, government bodies) must ensure environmentally sound waste management.
• Rules allow local bodies to levy user fees and environmental compensation based on 'Polluter Pays' principle for non-compliance.
• The revised rules integrate circular economy principles and Extended Producer Responsibility for efficient waste management.

Why It Matters: New Solid Waste Management Rules mandate segregation, define bulk generator responsibilities, and enforce 'Polluter Pays'.