In India, the legal framework governing waste from Pumped Storage Projects (PSP), wind, and solar energy is rapidly evolving to address environmental risks from increasing capacity, primarily falling under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management)

 In India, the legal framework governing waste from Pumped Storage Projects (PSP), wind, and solar energy is rapidly evolving to address environmental risks from increasing capacity, primarily falling under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, and recent 2026 CPCB Guidelines

1. Solar Waste Management Regulations

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, panels, and cells are categorized as e-waste under Category CEEW 14 of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Manufacturers and producers must register on the CPCB portal, maintain a database of consumers, and take responsibility for collecting and recycling waste panels.

Storage Mandate (2034-35): Producers are required to store solar waste safely until the financial year 2034–35, as per CPCB guidelines.

CPCB 2026 Storage & Handling Rules:

Storage: Solar waste must be kept in covered, dry, well-ventilated sheds.

Flooring: Facilities must have impervious, non-leachable flooring to prevent heavy metal leaching (cadmium, lead, arsenic).

Stacking: Modules must not be stacked more than 20 layers or 2m high.

Safety: Storage areas must have fire protection, emergency exits, and clear labelling.

Disposal: Waste must only be handed over to registered recyclers. Open dumping is prohibited.

2. Wind Energy Waste Regulations

Wind waste primarily involves decommissioned turbine blades and old turbine components.

Wind Turbine and Solar Energy Waste (Handling, Disposal and Sustainability) Bill, 2022: This proposed bill aims to fix responsibilities on manufacturers and re-cyclers to manage the growing volume of non-biodegradable waste from blades.

Management Practices: As per current regulations, components that can be classified as hazardous (oils, lubricants) must be handled under the 2016 Hazardous Waste Rules. 

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3. Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) Waste Regulations

PSP projects, classified under "renewable energy with storage projects," fall under general environmental protection laws. 

Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016: Applicable for general waste generated during construction and operation.

Hazardous Waste Rules, 2016: Applicable to hazardous material management during the construction of large-scale hydro infrastructure.

Environmental Clearance: Projects must obtain clearances under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, due to potential impact on soil and water bodies. 

4. Hazardous Waste Management Rules (General)

The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 apply to the hazardous components of renewable projects.

Handling & Disposal: Occupiers generating hazardous waste (used oil, batteries) must ensure safe disposal at Authorized Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDF).

Storage Limit: Hazardous waste cannot be stored for more than 90 days, with potential extensions in specific cases.

Labeling: Containers must be labeled as "HAZARDOUS WASTES" and "HANDLE WITH CARE" in English, Hindi, and the local language. 

Key Regulatory Bodies

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC): Notifying authority for waste rules.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Defines Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for storage and handling.

State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Responsible for enforcing regulations and granting authorizations. 

Note: The CPCB released draft guidelines in mid-2025 and 2026, making the storage and transportation of solar waste highly stringent to prevent heavy metal contamination of soil and groundwater.