Apt management of solid waste is vital to the health and well-being of the populace. In most developing areas, a massive amount of garbage is left uncollected each day, acting as a feeding source for pests that spread deadly diseases, clogging drains, & creating various health and related infrastructural problems. This is where Solid Waste Management Rules come into play. It seeks to curtail the generation of solid waste by setting out provisions for those accountable for generating, recycling, or processing such wastes. The said rules also provide the requirement of securing Solid Waste Management Authorization, a legal consent for solid waste generators, recyclers, and processors. This write-up seeks to provide a comprehensive briefing on the same and other vital details.
What is Solid Waste?
As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016[1], solid waste refers to the unwanted solid materials generated via human activities in commercial, residential, or industrial areas. Solid waste may be categorized in the following ways according to its;
- Origin (commercial, domestic, construction, industrial)
- Contents (organic material, metal, glass, plastic paper etc.)
- Hazard potential (toxic, non-toxin, radioactive, flammable, infection-prone, etc.).
Applicability of Solid Waste Management Rules
Solid Waste Management rules seek to govern the following activities and provides applicant secure authorization for the same
- Waste processing
- Recycling
- Treatment
- Disposal at landfill
As per Solid Waste Management Rules, 2015, any person or team of individuals, residential and non-residential premises, including defence establishments, Railways that emit solid waste, are regarded as waste generators.
Norms for Waste Generators under Solid Waste Management Authorization
Every waste generator shall-
- Separate and spare waste in three different streams, such as biodegradable, non-biodegradable & domestic hazardous waste, inapt containers & hand over separate waste to a certified collector or approved waste pickers as directed by the concerned authorities;
- Aptly wrap the sanitary waste utilized, such as sanitary pads, slides, etc., in the pockets facilitated by the manufacturers or brand owner of such products or in the specific wrapping material as recommended by the concerned authorities, and the place the same pocket aimed for dry or non-biodegradable waste.;
- Store in its premises, as and when generated, demolition & construction waste independently & disposal in compliance with the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules; and
- Store the garden & horticultural waste generated separately
- Store the horticultural waste and garden waste produced separately on its premises and dispose of the same per the local body’s instructions.
- Avoid throwing solid waste in public places, roads, or water bodies
Procedure for Obtaining Solid Waste Management Authorization
- Fill the Form I as discussed below
- Enclose the documentation as mentioned below (note: the documentation must enclose the signature of an authorized person)
- Furnish the form to the respective state pollution control board
- Do the liaisoning with respective department
- Applicant and documents inspection by the respective department
- Grant of certificate post successful verification.
The registration conferred under such rules shall remain valid for two years. On subsequent renewals, the board grants the validity of 5 years but only in case of continuous operation and non-suspension of the license.
Application (Form I) for Solid Waste Management Authorization
Every individual involved with the waste management activities, including the above, is mandated to avail consent from the state pollution control board via application (Form-I). After this, the board will scrutinize the proposal for authorization and make such inquiries if required. Board is obligated to confer the authorization in Form II within 60 days of receiving the application filed in Form-I. The said authorization will also enclose compliance criteria and environmental standards as cited under Schedules I and II.
State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) is obligated to keep a constant tap on environmental norms and conditions as cited under Schedule I and Schedule II for waste processing & disposal sites.
Mandatory particulars to be filled by the applicant in Form 1
Name of the local body/agency appointed by them/operator of the facility
- Name of applicant
- Correspondence address
- Nodal Officer & designation (Officer designated by the local body accountable for the operation of processing/treatment or disposal facility)
- Authorization required for
- Net quantity of waste to be addressed (depending on the nature of the operation, i.e., recycling, processing, disposing of, etc.)
- Utilization program relating to waste processed.
- Details regarding the method for disposal
- Quantity of leachate*
- Treatment technology for leachate
- Measures to be followed by the applicant for curtailing environmental pollution
- Measure to be followed by the applicant for workers’ safety at the facility
- Details regarding solid waste processing /treatment/ recycling/disposal facility
- In the case of the disposal facility, detail of the following
- No. of dumping sites identified
- Quantum of waste to be disposed of on a daily basis.
- Methods or criteria for site selection
- Site’s detail which is operational for the time being
- Methods and operational particulars of landfilling
- Measures were followed to determine environmental pollution.
Leachate* is referred to as any contaminated liquid generated from water percolating via a solid waste disposal site, containing contaminants & steaming into subsurface areas. Another prominent source of leachate is the high moisture content of specific disposed wastes.
Documents to be affixed with Form I
- Authorized person’s Aadhar card
- Authorized person’s PAN copy
- GST certificate of organization
- Rent/lease/ proof of ownership
- Trade license/ Factory license
- Electricity bill
- Layout plan
- CIN(certificate of incorporation) in case of company/LLP
- MOA
- AOA
- Board resolution for appointing the authorized person
Conclusion
It is evidentiary that Solid waste management authorization is a mandate for the processor, recycler, and disposer of solid wastes in India. It comes under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2015, which sets out the long list of regulations for liable entities and individuals. It also seeks to curtail solid waste generation by imposing provisions on potential sources emitting such waste.
Read our Article:How to get Plastic Waste Management Registration?
