New Solid Waste Management Rules 2026: What You Need to Know From April 1

• India's new Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, replacing the 2016 version, come into effect nationwide from April 1 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The rules emphasize a circular economy, Extended Producer Responsibility, and the "Polluter Pays" principle, with penalties for non-compliance and poor waste handling.
• Mandatory four-stream waste segregation (wet, dry, sanitary, special care) at source for all households and establishments, with specific processing requirements.
• Bulk Waste Generators (large buildings, institutions, malls) are now directly responsible for their waste, including on-site wet waste processing or obtaining an Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility certificate.
• A Centralised Online Portal will track waste management from generation to disposal, with mandatory online registration, reporting, and audits for all facilities.