Solid Waste Management Rules 2024 – Key Developments

The Government of India has proposed new draft Solid Waste Management Rules in 2024. This initiative aims to tackle challenges posed by industrial waste. It builds on earlier regulations introduced in 2016. The 2024 rules incorporate recommendations from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). They focus on promoting a circular economy and improving waste management practices across urban and rural areas.

Background of Solid Waste Management Rules

The Solid Waste Management Rules were first introduced in 2016. They replaced the Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules from 2000. The 2016 framework primarily addressed waste management. The 2024 draft shifts focus towards effective waste utilisation. It aims to enhance environmental quality through better monitoring and enforcement.

Circular Economy Principles

The 2024 draft integrates circular economy principles. It encourages the reuse and recycling of waste materials. The CSE report emphasises the need for a central agency to oversee circularity in India. It also calls for a digital platform to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders. This approach aims to enhance the efficiency of waste management practices.

Refuse-Derived Fuel Standards

A key recommendation is the establishment of standards for refuse-derived fuel (RDF). This will support municipalities and industries in managing waste. The CSE report suggests increasing the thermal substitution rate in cement plants to 50% by 2030. The draft outlines the responsibilities of industrial units in reporting RDF usage.

Role of Urban Local Bodies

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) play important role in waste management. They are tasked with maintaining waste quality for processing. The draft mandates ULBs to map RDF plants and track their production capacity. This will ensure better coordination between municipalities and industries.

Agri-Residue Management

The draft rules also focus on managing agricultural residues. Local bodies are responsible for facilitating the collection and storage of agri-residue. They must report data on its utilisation on a centralised platform. This will help formalise the informal recycling sector.

Challenges and Critiques

Despite the progress, the draft faces criticism. The Fuel Substitution Schedule lacks ambition. Many cement industries have already surpassed the proposed targets. Critics argue that the rules may hinder progress towards higher fuel substitution rates. There is also a gap in integrating agricultural residues into the supply chain for biomass co-firing.

Future Directions

The draft rules represent a step forward in waste management policy. However, they require stronger targets and clearer pathways for implementation. Ensuring robust supply chains for biomass and waste materials is essential. Greater clarity and enforceability are needed to achieve transformative waste management.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of circular economy principles on waste management practices in India.
2. Explain the role of Urban Local Bodies in the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules.
3. What are the challenges in achieving higher thermal substitution rates in India’s cement sector? Discuss.
4. Comment on the significance of establishing standards for refuse-derived fuel in promoting sustainable waste management.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of circular economy principles on waste management practices in India.

1. Circular economy principles advocate for reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, promoting sustainable resource management.
2. They encourage industries to adopt innovative waste management practices, leading to reduced landfill dependency.
3. The integration of circular economy encourages collaboration among stakeholders, enhancing efficiency and accountability in waste management.
4. Government initiatives, like the SWM Rules 2024, aim to align policies with circular economy principles, improving environmental quality.
5. Challenges include lack of awareness, insufficient infrastructure, and the need for a central agency to oversee implementation.

2. Explain the role of Urban Local Bodies in the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules.

1. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are responsible for managing waste collection, segregation, and disposal at the municipal level.
2. They ensure compliance with SWM Rules by maintaining waste quality for processing and co-processing.
3. ULBs map refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plants, tracking production capacity and coordinating with industries for effective waste utilisation.
4. They facilitate the collection and storage of agricultural residues, helping formalise the informal recycling sector.
5. ULBs play a critical role in reporting data on waste management practices to a centralised online portal, ensuring transparency.

3. What are the challenges in achieving higher thermal substitution rates in India’s cement sector? Discuss.

1. Low ambition in Fuel Substitution Schedule targets may deter industries from pursuing higher thermal substitution rates.
2. Insufficient infrastructure for waste processing and RDF production limits the availability of suitable alternative fuels.
3. Lack of standardisation for refuse-derived fuel quality can hinder stakeholder confidence in using RDF.
4. Limited vendor availability for biomass and agri-residue affects the supply chain for co-firing in cement plants.
5. Resistance to change within the industry and the need for investment in technology and training are additional barriers.

4. Comment on the significance of establishing standards for refuse-derived fuel in promoting sustainable waste management.

1. Establishing RDF standards ensures consistent quality, making it a reliable alternative fuel for industries.
2. Standards facilitate collaboration between municipalities and industries, promoting effective waste management practices.
3. They encourage the development of a robust supply chain for RDF, enhancing resource recovery from waste.
4. Improved RDF quality can lead to increased thermal substitution rates in cement plants, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
5. Clear standards support regulatory compliance and encourage confidence among stakeholders, driving innovation in waste utilisation.