Waste management has become a major concern in India today. The country is generating more waste than ever before, mainly due to rapid urban growth and expanding industries. While individuals contribute to the problem, businesses and cities are responsible for the largest share. If waste is not handled properly, it can seriously harm public health, natural resources, and the environment.
Because of this, waste management is no longer optional—it is a legal responsibility. Every business must follow waste management laws to avoid penalties, legal action, and damage to its reputation. To stay compliant, it is important to understand which rules apply to your operations. This guide explains India’s waste management laws in a clear and easy way so you can manage waste responsibly.
What Is the Zero-Waste Approach?
Zero-waste is not about producing no waste at all. Instead, it is a practical method that helps reduce waste as much as possible, starting at the source. The idea is to use resources efficiently and send the least amount of waste to landfills.
The Waste Management Hierarchy
India follows a step-by-step approach to waste management:
1. Reduce
The most important step is to cut down waste generation. Businesses can do this by improving processes, avoiding unnecessary materials, and using resources more efficiently.
2. Reuse
Materials and products should be used multiple times whenever possible. Reusing items for the same or different purposes reduces the need for new raw materials.
3. Recycle
Recycling turns used materials into new products. This helps conserve resources and reduces pressure on landfills.
4. Residual Disposal
Only waste that cannot be reduced, reused, or recycled should be disposed of. Even then, disposal must be done through approved and safe methods.
This approach protects the environment, saves raw materials, supports sustainable growth, and reduces landfill waste. India’s waste policies are built around these priorities.
What Is the Waste Management Law of 2016?
The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 form one of India’s most important waste regulations. These rules were introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to ensure that hazardous waste is handled safely.
Under this law, anyone who generates or handles hazardous waste is fully responsible for its management—from generation to final disposal.
Key Goals of the 2016 Rules
- Clearly define what qualifies as hazardous waste
- Ensure safe segregation, storage, and labelling
- Fix responsibilities of waste generators, transporters, and disposers
- Regulate import and export of hazardous waste
- Prevent harm to human health and the environment
Hazardous waste is dangerous because it may be toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive. Improper handling can contaminate soil, water, and air, causing long-term environmental and health damage.
Major Waste Management Rules in India
India has several waste-specific rules. Businesses must follow the ones relevant to their activities.
1. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
These rules made waste segregation mandatory at the source.
Waste must be separated into:
- Biodegradable waste
- Non-biodegradable waste
- Hazardous waste
Municipal bodies, businesses, and institutions must follow these rules. Failure to segregate waste properly can lead to fines and enforcement actions.
Key Compliance Obligations under Solid Waste Management Laws
Effective waste management begins at the source. Every waste generator—whether a household, institution, shop, office, or commercial establishment—is legally required to separate waste into three clear categories: biodegradable waste, recyclable non-biodegradable waste, and domestic hazardous waste such as sanitary waste, batteries, or chemicals.
Responsibilities of Waste Generators
Waste generators are expected to handle waste responsibly and ethically. This includes a strict prohibition on littering, open burning, or dumping waste in public places, water bodies, or drains. Users are also required to pay prescribed waste management charges to support municipal services.
Special duties apply to certain groups. Event organisers must inform local authorities in advance and ensure proper waste collection and disposal during and after events. Street vendors are required to keep suitable waste bins at their stalls to prevent public littering.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners producing non-biodegradable products have an added responsibility. Under the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility, they must establish systems to collect, recycle, or safely dispose of post-consumer waste generated from their products.
Role of Local Authorities
Urban local bodies play a central role in implementing waste management systems. Their duties include ensuring scientific methods for waste collection, transportation, processing, and disposal. Municipal authorities must install separate bins for segregated waste and eliminate garbage-prone locations, often referred to as garbage vulnerable points (GVPs), to maintain public hygiene.
Waste Processing and Disposal Standards
Waste treatment facilities handling more than five tonnes of waste per day must obtain prior authorisation from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). Cities generating over 100 tonnes of waste daily are required to adopt sustainable processing solutions such as composting, bio methanation, or waste-to-energy plants.
The law strictly bans open dumping and burning of waste. To safeguard public health, buffer zones must be maintained around waste processing and disposal facilities.
Emerging Waste Streams and Draft Rules, 2024
The Draft Solid Waste Management Rules, 2024, address newer and growing waste streams. They introduce structured protocols for handling electronic waste, construction and demolition debris, and the scientific remediation of legacy waste stored in old landfill sites.
Enforcement, Supervision, and Accountability
Penalties and Corrective Measures
Violations of waste management rules attract financial penalties, which may be recovered through property tax or municipal dues. In some cases, authorities may also impose community service as a corrective measure to promote public awareness and accountability.
Monitoring by Central and State Authorities
Implementation of waste management laws is overseen at multiple levels. A Central Monitoring Committee periodically reviews progress across states and union territories, while State Pollution Control Boards are responsible for granting authorisations, verifying compliance, and conducting inspections.
Digital Compliance through a Centralised Portal
The Draft Rules of 2024 propose the creation of a unified online portal. This platform will be used for the registration of bulk waste generators, waste service providers, and for filing annual compliance reports, ensuring transparency and streamlined data management.
Evolution of Solid Waste Management Rules in India
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) replaced the Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000, with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 to reflect changing urban realities, technological advancements, and the need for integrated waste management systems.
The 2016 Rules clearly identify the authorities involved in municipal solid waste management and outline their specific responsibilities. States and Union Territories are required to formulate waste management policies and long-term strategies, while municipal authorities must prepare detailed local action plans.
The Rules mandate segregation of waste into wet, dry, and special categories and restrict landfill disposal only to inert, non-reactive, and pre-treated waste. To ensure financial sustainability, municipalities are empowered to collect user charges and impose spot fines on individuals who litter in public spaces.
Detailed standards are laid down for landfill site selection, including mandatory lining systems to prevent soil and groundwater contamination. Environmental clearance is compulsory for establishing waste processing and disposal facilities. The Rules also prescribe quality standards for compost, treated leachate, and emissions from incineration plants.
Finally, municipal authorities are required to submit annual reports detailing waste generation, processing, and disposal practices. All stakeholders—government bodies, businesses, and citizens—are expected to actively comply with these provisions to strengthen India’s solid waste management framework.
2. Hazardous and Other Wastes Rules, 2016
These rules focus on safe handling and disposal of hazardous industrial waste.
They cover:
- Waste classification
- Storage and labelling
- Transport and documentation
- Recycling and disposal methods
The goal is to prevent environmental damage caused by improper handling of industrial waste.
Compliance Duties of Waste Generators (Occupiers)
Entities that generate hazardous or other regulated waste must follow strict legal and environmental safeguards to prevent harm to people and the environment.
Authorisation from Pollution Control Authorities
Any occupier involved in the generation, handling, storage, or processing of hazardous or other waste is required to obtain prior approval from the respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). Operations cannot begin without this authorisation.
Following the Waste Management Hierarchy
Waste must be managed according to a priority-based approach. Generators are expected to first prevent waste generation wherever possible. If unavoidable, waste should be reduced, reused, recycled, recovered, or utilised. Disposal is treated as the last option and must be carried out in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
Safe Storage of Waste
Hazardous and other wastes may only be stored for a limited period. As a general rule, storage must not exceed 90 days. In specific situations—such as small-scale generators or where disposal facilities are not readily available—this period may be extended up to 180 days, subject to approval.
Record-Keeping and Documentation
Occupiers must maintain complete and accurate records of the quantity, type, and method of waste handling. These records must be preserved and produced whenever inspection or verification is conducted by regulatory authorities.
Transportation and Movement of Waste
Waste can only be transported to authorised recyclers, processors, or disposal facilities. A formal tracking mechanism known as the manifest system (Form 10) must be used to document the movement of waste. Prior intimation to the concerned SPCBs is also mandatory to ensure transparency and traceability.
Worker Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Generators are responsible for ensuring that personnel handling waste are properly trained. Adequate safety equipment, protective gear, and emergency response measures must be in place to deal with accidents, leaks, or spills.
Reporting and Compliance Submissions
Regular compliance reports must be submitted to regulatory authorities. These reports should include details of waste generation, handling practices, and progress in meeting recycling or recovery obligations, including targets prescribed under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where applicable.
Key Features of the Hazardous and Other Waste Rules
Scope of Application
The Rules apply to industries and facilities that generate waste exhibiting hazardous characteristics such as toxicity, reactivity, flammability, or chemical instability, as defined under the regulations.
Periodic Updates and Amendments
The regulatory framework is regularly revised to keep pace with evolving environmental concerns. Recent amendments, including those introduced in 2025, have strengthened EPR obligations for specific metal and industrial products.
Controls on Import and Export of Waste
Import of hazardous waste for disposal purposes is strictly prohibited. Import is permitted only for recycling, recovery, or reuse, and that too after obtaining necessary permissions and consents from the relevant authorities.
Waste Tracking through the Manifest System
A multi-copy manifest document (Form 10) is mandatory for every movement of hazardous waste. This system ensures end-to-end tracking from the point of generation to the authorised treatment or disposal facility.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with these rules may result in monetary penalties, suspension of authorisation, and liability for environmental damage or harm caused to public health.
Practical Steps to Ensure Compliance
- Identify the Waste
Assess whether the waste generated falls within the definition of hazardous or other regulated waste. - Secure Authorisation
Apply to the State Pollution Control Board for the necessary approvals related to storage, handling, transport, or recycling. - Manage Waste On-Site
Put systems in place for safe handling, proper storage, employee training, and emergency preparedness. - Use Authorised Facilities
Transfer waste only to approved recyclers or Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs), following the prescribed manifest procedure. - Meet Reporting Obligations
Submit all required returns and compliance reports to the SPCB or CPCB within stipulated timelines.
3. Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2022
These rules were introduced to tackle rising plastic pollution.
Key points:
- Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners are responsible for plastic waste
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is mandatory
- Single-use plastics are restricted or banned
- Eco-friendly alternatives are encouraged
These rules apply to both businesses and consumers.
Core Compliance Requirements under Plastic Waste Management Laws
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) are legally accountable for the plastic waste generated from the products they place in the market. This responsibility goes beyond production and sale and extends to post-consumer waste. PIBOs must arrange for the collection and environmentally sound management of plastic waste, set measurable recycling and recovery targets, and progressively increase the use of recycled plastic in their products.
Mandatory Registration on the Regulatory Portal
All entities covered under the rules must register themselves with the appropriate authority through a centralised online system. Businesses operating across multiple states are required to register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), while those operating in a limited number of states may register with the respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
Source-Level Segregation of Plastic Waste
Every waste generator—whether an individual household, office, shop, or industrial unit—is required to separate plastic waste from other types of waste at the point of generation. Segregated plastic waste must be handed over only to municipal collection systems or authorised recyclers and waste handlers.
Prohibition on Certain Single-Use Plastic Items
The rules place a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of specified single-use plastic products that have low utility and high environmental impact. These include plastic flags, earbuds with plastic stems, plastic sticks used for candy or ice cream, and expanded polystyrene (thermocol) items commonly used for decoration.
Regulation of Plastic Carry Bags
To reduce plastic pollution and improve recyclability, the minimum thickness of plastic carry bags has been increased in a phased manner. Thicker bags are more durable, easier to recycle, and less likely to end up as litter.
Compliance Reporting and Target Achievement
PIBOs are required to submit detailed EPR action plans and annual compliance reports through the designated portal. They must meet prescribed recycling and recovery targets and may use a compliance certificate marketplace to fulfil their obligations in accordance with the rules.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to meet regulatory requirements can attract financial penalties and other enforcement measures, reinforcing the importance of strict adherence to plastic waste management norms.
Obligations of Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs)
- Register
Complete registration through the CPCB portal for nationwide operations or the relevant SPCB portal for limited state operations. - Plan
Prepare and submit a comprehensive EPR plan outlining collection systems, recycling strategies, reuse mechanisms, and target timelines. - Implement
Actively achieve EPR targets by ensuring effective plastic waste collection, incorporating recycled plastic into products, and responsibly managing plastic waste at the end of its lifecycle. - Report
File annual returns and compliance reports providing transparent details of targets achieved and actions taken.
Responsibilities of Plastic Waste Generators
(Individuals, Shops, Offices, and Commercial Establishments)
- Segregate Waste at Source
Keep plastic waste separate from organic and other waste streams. - Hand Over Responsibly
Ensure segregated plastic waste is given only to municipal authorities or registered waste collection agencies. - Pay Prescribed User Charges
Pay waste management fees as notified by local bodies to support collection, processing, and recycling systems.
4. E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016
Electronic waste is growing rapidly in India.
These rules require:
- Collection of e-waste through authorized channels
- Recycling only by approved facilities
- EPR compliance by manufacturers and importers
- Setup of collection centers
This ensures safe recycling of electronic items like computers, phones, and appliances.
Regulatory Framework for E-Waste Management in India
The E-Waste Management Rules, 2022, were notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on 2 November 2022, replacing the earlier E-Waste Management Rules, 2016. These Rules were subsequently strengthened through amendments introduced in July 2023, to improve accountability, traceability, and environmentally sound handling of electronic waste across the country.
A) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework
Meaning of Extended Producer Responsibility
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) places the obligation for proper end-of-life management of electrical and electronic equipment on producers listed under Schedule I of the Rules. Producers are required to meet specific recycling targets prescribed under Schedules III and IV, and such targets must be fulfilled exclusively through authorised and registered e-waste recyclers, ensuring environmentally safe recycling and disposal.
Stakeholders Covered under the Rules
The Rules apply to all key participants involved in the lifecycle of electrical and electronic equipment:
- Manufacturer: Any individual or organisation that owns or operates facilities for manufacturing electrical or electronic equipment (EEE).
- Producer: Any entity that manufactures, assembles, imports, or sells EEE, including components, consumables, spare parts, or even used equipment.
- Refurbisher: Any person or organisation engaged in repairing, refurbishing, or reassembling used EEE.
- Recycler: Any authorised entity involved in dismantling, recycling, or reprocessing discarded electrical and electronic equipment.
Responsibilities of Covered Entities
All concerned entities must obtain mandatory registration on the CPCB online portal before commencing operations. Registration and renewal are governed by prescribed standard operating procedures and applicable fee structures for producers, manufacturers, recyclers, and refurbishers.
Entities are required to collect and manage e-waste generated during manufacturing, refurbishing, or recycling activities. They must also submit quarterly and annual returns in the prescribed format through the portal, ensuring transparency and regulatory oversight.
Special obligations apply to those dealing with refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. Such entities must ensure the safe, accountable, and environmentally sound handling of refrigerants released during manufacturing, refurbishing, or recycling processes. Approved destruction technologies, as notified by the CPCB, must be adopted for this purpose.
Producers and recyclers are also expected to promote awareness regarding e-waste management through media campaigns, publications, advertisements, and other outreach measures. Producers must obtain and fulfil EPR targets through the portal in accordance with Schedules III and IV, while recyclers must strictly adhere to technical standards and guidelines issued by the CPCB. Recyclers may engage authorised dismantlers to support the collection of e-waste.
Responsibilities of Bulk Consumers
Bulk consumers of electrical and electronic equipment listed under Schedule I—such as large offices, institutions, and commercial establishments—must ensure that the e-waste generated by them is handed over only to registered producers, refurbishers, or recyclers. Disposal through informal or unauthorised channels is not permitted.
B) Storage of E-Waste
Manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers are allowed to store e-waste for a period not exceeding 180 days. During this period, detailed records relating to the sale, transfer, and storage of e-waste must be maintained and made available for inspection by regulatory authorities. Storage must comply with all applicable environmental rules and guidelines.
In cases where e-waste needs to be retained for research, innovation, or development of recycling or reuse processes, the CPCB may extend the storage period up to 365 days, subject to compliance with prescribed conditions.
C) Operational Mechanism of the EPR Regime
Producers are required to meet their EPR obligations strictly in line with Schedules III and IV. To achieve compliance, they may engage third-party entities such as Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), authorised collection centres, or dealers.
Product-wise EPR targets are determined by the CPCB. Producers must fulfil these obligations through the online purchase of EPR certificates, which can be generated only by registered recyclers.
D) Generation of EPR Certificates
EPR certificates for recycling and refurbishing are issued in a format prescribed by the CPCB. To encourage refurbishment and extend the useful life of electronic products, only 75% of the deferred quantity from refurbished products is counted towards the producer’s recycling obligation once the extended life period of the refurbished product ends.
E) Management of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules, Panels, and Cells
Manufacturers and producers of solar photovoltaic modules, panels, or cells are subject to specific compliance requirements due to the long operational lifespan of such equipment.
They must ensure registration on the CPCB portal and store waste generated from solar PV products up to the year 2034–2035, in accordance with CPCB guidelines. Annual returns must be filed on the portal for each relevant year up to that period.
Producers must ensure that waste generated from components other than solar PV modules or panels is managed in compliance with existing environmental laws. A distinct and accurate inventory of solar PV modules, panels, or cells must also be maintained and uploaded on the portal.
Recyclers handling solar PV waste are mandated to recover materials in line with standards and recovery targets prescribed by the CPCB.
Consents and Role of Local Authorities
Manufacturers, refurbishers, and recyclers must obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC).
Local bodies and village panchayats are also entrusted with responsibilities under the Rules. They must ensure the separate collection of orphan e-waste—electronic waste for which no producer can be identified—and ensure its safe transfer to authorised recyclers or refurbishers.
5. Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016
These rules apply to:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Laboratories
- Veterinary facilities
- Research institutions
Key requirements include:
- Proper segregation using colour-coded bins
- Trained staff for waste handling
- Safe treatment and disposal methods
Non-compliance can result in heavy penalties and even suspension of operations.
Key Compliance Requirements for Healthcare Facilities
Authorization
Every healthcare facility must first obtain approval from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) before handling biomedical waste. Operating without this authorization is a direct violation of the law.
Segregation of Waste
Biomedical waste must be separated at the point where it is generated. Facilities are required to sort waste into four main categories—or ten categories in the case of large hospitals—using colour-coded bags and containers. For instance, yellow bags are used for infectious waste, red for recyclable contaminated items, blue for glass and metal waste, and white containers for sharps like needles.
Storage
Waste must be stored in a safe, well-ventilated area within the premises. The storage system should prevent spillage, theft, or any form of secondary handling that could pose health or environmental risks.
Pre-treatment of Waste
Certain types of waste, such as laboratory samples, blood bags, and microbiology waste, must be treated or disinfected within the healthcare facility itself before they are handed over for disposal.
Transportation and Final Disposal
Collection, transportation, and disposal of biomedical waste must only be carried out through authorised and licensed Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs). These operators are required to use tracking systems like GPS and barcoding to ensure transparency and accountability.
Record Maintenance
Healthcare facilities must keep accurate and complete records relating to waste generation, treatment, and disposal. These records must be preserved for at least five years and should be readily available for inspection by authorities.
Annual Reporting
An annual report detailing biomedical waste management practices must be prepared and published on the healthcare facility’s official website.
Phase-out of Chlorinated Plastics
Facilities are required to gradually eliminate the use of chlorinated plastic items such as gloves, blood bags, and waste bags, in line with environmental safety norms.
Duties of the Occupier (Healthcare Facility)
The occupier of the healthcare facility must ensure that biomedical waste is handled in a manner that does not harm human health or the environment. Adequate storage facilities must be provided within the premises, and specific categories of waste must be properly treated before disposal. The waste should be sent directly to an authorised CBWTF or subjected to approved treatment methods without unnecessary delay.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to follow biomedical waste management rules can lead to serious consequences, including monetary penalties, imprisonment, or even closure of the healthcare facility, depending on the severity of the violation.
Question 1: What are the main waste management laws applicable to businesses in India?
Answer: The main laws include the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and rules such as Solid Waste Management Rules, Plastic Waste Management Rules, E-Waste Management Rules, and Hazardous Waste Management Rules.
Question 2: Which businesses are required to comply with waste management rules in India?
Answer: All businesses generating waste, including manufacturers, offices, hospitals, restaurants, and e-commerce companies, must comply with applicable waste management laws.
Question 3: What are the key responsibilities of businesses under waste management rules?
Answer: Businesses must segregate waste, store it safely, hand it over to authorized recyclers, maintain records, and follow disposal norms.
Question 4: What are the penalties for non-compliance with waste management laws in India?
Answer: Non-compliance can lead to fines, environmental compensation, legal action, suspension of operations, or cancellation of licenses.
Question 5: How can businesses ensure compliance with waste management laws?
Answer: Businesses can ensure compliance by registering with pollution control boards, following prescribed waste handling procedures, and taking professional compliance support.
