The central government revised the waste management system implemented from April 1, requiring all households to separate their waste into four categories. The previous two-bin system will now be converted into a four-bin framework, separating wet, dry, sanitary and hazardous waste.
In January, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified a review of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026. Under the new rules, waste will be segregated into colour-coded bins.
Color-coded litter boxes
- Green bin: used for wet waste including vegetable peels
- Blue Bin: Used for dry waste, including plastic, paper, tissue, etc
- Red bin: used for sanitary waste including sanitary napkins, diapers and similar waste.
- Black Box: This box will be used for hazardous waste including medicines, electronic waste, lamps, etc.
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Applies to all bodies
These rules apply to all urban and rural local bodies and everything within their areas. This includes industrial zones, special economic zones, railway buildings, airports, ports, defense institutions, 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 guide citizens to safely pack used sanitary waste, such as diapers, sanitary pads, etc., in bags provided by manufacturers or brand owners of the products. It also advised people to store construction and demolition waste separately, when generated.
Furthermore, bulk waste generators, including gated communities and institutions larger than 5,000 square metres, will be required to process wet waste on site. The rules also prohibit mixing biomedical waste with general solid waste.
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It introduces the “polluter pays” principle.
The 2026 Solid Waste Management Rules also include a “polluter pays” principle, enabling authorities to impose environmental damages for violations such as failure to segregate, 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 specific times, avoiding open dumping, spreading awareness, and reporting violations to ensure effective implementation.
