New waste disposal rules: Increased workload and legal accountability for Kerala panchayat members

Thiruvananthapuram: Under the new solid waste management rules in the state, responsibilities of elected representatives in local bodies will increase. Ward members, councillors and mayors will have to devote more time to waste management activities. Their duties include creating awareness and ensuring public monitoring of waste segregation and related practices. Legal action will also be taken against officials who fail in their responsibilities.

The new provisions came into effect on April 1 through amendments to the 2016 Solid Waste Management Rules. The Suchitwa Mission will conduct assessments of institutions that generate large volumes of waste. Waste generators have been categorised into households, street vendors, gated communities (villas, apartments, flats), and bulk waste producers. A state-level committee chaired by the Chief Secretary has been formed to implement the rules.

Other Guidelines:

• Waste must be segregated at source into four categories: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, sanitary, and special care waste.

• Violations will attract fines initially; repeated violations may lead to criminal action and legal proceedings against officials.

• Industrial, biomedical waste, e-waste, and radioactive waste are not included under these rules.

• Diapers and sanitary pads must be wrapped separately before disposal.

• Street vendors must use containers to collect waste.

• Institutions and resident associations with an area exceeding 5,000 sq. m must ensure on-site waste processing.

• Buildings with an area of 20,000 sq. m or more, institutions using 40,000 litres or more of water daily, and those generating 100 kg or more waste per day must register on the central online portal.