Waste mangement As per IMS focused on constitutional and legal compliance and awareness.y

 Waste mangement As per IMS focused on constitutional and legal compliance and awareness.

Waste management in India is governed by a combination of constitutional provisions and environmental laws. The Indian Constitution, particularly the 74th Amendment, empowers urban local bodies to manage solid waste, while the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, provides the framework for specific waste management rules. These rules, such as the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act to ensure environmentally sound waste management. 

Constitutional Basis:

74th Amendment:

This amendment to the Constitution recognized the importance of local self-governments (municipalities) and granted them the responsibility of managing solid waste within their jurisdiction.

12th Schedule:

The 12th Schedule, added by the 74th Amendment, provides a list of functions, including solid waste management, for urban local bodies. 

Legislation and Rules:

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:

This act serves as the overarching legal framework for environmental protection, including waste management. 

Waste Management Rules:

Several rules have been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, including Solid Waste Management Rules, Plastic Waste Management Rules, Biomedical Waste Management Rules, and others, to address specific types of waste. 

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

The principle of EPR, introduced in the Plastic Waste and E-Waste Management Rules, holds producers accountable for the management of their products after they become waste. 

Key Aspects of Waste Management:

Segregation and Collection:

Local bodies are responsible for segregating and collecting waste at regular intervals. 

Processing and Disposal:

Biologically degradable waste is processed using facilities like compost plants, while non-biodegradable waste is transported to processing or material recovery facilities. 

Community Involvement:

Local bodies are encouraged to involve communities in waste management through initiatives like home composting and decentralized processing. 

Use of Compost:

Compost is promoted as a replacement for chemical fertilizers in parks and gardens. 

Recycling Incentives:

Incentives are provided to recycling initiatives by informal waste recycling sectors. 

EPR for Specific Wastes:

EPR is implemented for plastic packaging waste, e-waste, waste tires, battery waste, and used oil. 

In India, waste management is regulated by a set of rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, addressing various waste types like solid, plastic, hazardous, biomedical, battery, e-waste, and construction & demolition waste. These rules, including the 2016 and 2022 revisions, aim for environmentally sound management and often incorporate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles. 

Specific Waste Types and Their Regulations:

Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016:

Focuses on the management of municipal solid waste, including collection, segregation, processing, and disposal. 

Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (with amendments):

Includes provisions for EPR, aiming to reduce plastic waste through recycling and reuse, and bans single-use plastics. 

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

Addresses the management of hazardous wastes, including handling, treatment, and disposal, and the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. 

Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016:

Regulates the management of biomedical waste generated in healthcare facilities, including segregation, disinfection, and disposal. 

Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016:

Promotes the recycling and utilization of construction and demolition waste, aiming to reduce its impact on the environment. 

E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022:

Implements EPR for electronic equipment, requiring producers to channelize e-waste to authorized dismantlers/recyclers. 

Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022:

Addresses the environmentally sound management of waste batteries, including EPR for producers, importers, and refurbishers. 

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

EPR is a key concept in waste management, making producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including their disposal. 

It is implemented for plastic packaging, e-waste, and batteries, requiring producers to ensure the proper management of waste generated from their products. 

Key Aspects of the Rules:

Segregation and Collection:

Wastes are often categorized and segregated for better management and recycling. 

Treatment and Disposal:

Appropriate methods for treating and disposing of waste, including incineration, landfilling, and recycling, are specified. 

Monitoring and Enforcement:

Authorities, like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), monitor compliance and enforce the rules. 

Important Considerations:

Transboundary Movement:

Import and export of hazardous waste are regulated under the Basel Convention. 

Public Awareness:

Raising awareness among the public about proper waste management practices is crucial for success. 

Technological Innovation:

Adopting innovative technologies for waste management, like waste-to-energy plants, is important for achieving sustainability goals. 

With best regards,

Dr. Amar Nath Giri 

http://dramarnathgiri.blogspot.com/2025/05/overview-of-hazardous-waste-management.html

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