The central government has revised the waste management system implemented from April 1, requiring all households to segregate their waste into four categories. The earlier two-bin system will now convert to a four-bin framework, separating wet, dry, sanitary and hazardous waste.
In January, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change notified the revision of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. Under the new rules, waste will be separated into colour-coded bins.
Color-coded dustbins
- Green bin: To be used for wet waste including vegetable peels
- Blue bin: To be used for dry waste, including plastic, paper, napkins, etc
- Red bin: To be used for sanitary waste, including sanitary napkins, diapers and similar waste.
- Black bin: This bin will be used for hazardous waste including medicines, e-waste, bulbs etc.
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Applicable to all bodies
These rules apply to all urban and rural local bodies and everything within their areas. This includes industrial areas, SEZs, railway premises, airports, ports, defence establishments, religious and historical sites, as well as all public and private landowners.
It also announced the imposition of penalties in case of non-compliance.
The rules also instruct citizens to securely wrap the used sanitary waste, like diapers, sanitary pads, etc., in the pouches provided by the manufacturers or brand owners of the products. It also advised people to store construction and demolition waste separately, as and when generated.
Further, bulk waste generators, including gated communities and institutions with an area exceeding 5,000 square metres, will be required to process wet waste on-site. The rules also prohibit mixing of biomedical waste with general solid waste.
Also read: MCD floats plan for alternate-day waste collection
Introduces ‘polluter pays’ principle
The SWM Rules, 2026, also incorporate the “polluter pays” principle, enabling authorities to levy environmental compensation for violations such as non-segregation, false reporting, and improper waste handling practices.
Delhi civic authorities have urged residents to follow five basic steps, including segregating waste, disposing of it at designated times, avoiding open dumping, spreading awareness, and reporting violations to ensure effective implementation.
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