Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, which superseded the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The rules were notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and came into full effect from April 1, 2026. The revised rules integrate the principles of Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibility, with a specific focus on efficient waste segregation and management. The rules provide for the levy of environmental compensation based on the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle for non-compliance, including cases of operating without registration, false reporting, submission of forged documents or improper solid waste management practices. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will prepare the relevant guidelines, while State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees will levy the environmental compensation. Four-stream Segregation of Solid Waste at Source Four-stream segregation of solid waste at source has been made mandatory under the SWM Rules, 2026. Waste is required to be segregated into wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste and special care waste. Wet Waste: It includes kitchen waste, vegetables, fruit peels, meat, flowers, etc., which shall be composted or processed through bio-methanation at the nearest facility. Dry Waste: It comprises plastic, paper, metal, glass, wood and rubber, etc., and shall be transported to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for sorting and recycling. Sanitary Waste: It includes used diapers, sanitary towels, tampons and condoms, etc., which shall be securely wrapped and stored separately. Special Care Waste: It includes paint cans, bulbs, mercury thermometers and medicines, etc., which shall be collected by authorised agencies or deposited at designated collection centres. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026: https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2026/jan/doc2026129773501.pdf Source: PIB