Extracting Value From Waste |
Out of sight, out of mind, has been the paradigm for India’s solid waste management practice, although the law, the municipal Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 mandates a scientific process of collection and disposal. Data on SWM from 2023-24 indicate that about 65,300 tonnes of municipal waste is dumped everyday without treatment, while another 5,000 tonnes is not collected at all. These are data reported by states, relying on weak reporting systems, and most likely underestimated. The Union government wants to turn a new leaf - again - and is poised to implement the upgraded SWM Rules for 2026 from April 1. As a statement of intent that is more detailed in its scope than previous iterations, the rules must be welcomed. Yet,........