Kerala more than prepared to implement new solid waste management rules, say experts

As India’s updated Solid Waste Management Rules come into force on April 1, introducing a new mandatory category called ‘special maintenance waste’, Kerala is more than ready to implement it, experts say.

After the parliamentary elections are over, training programs for stakeholders will begin. An instruction to comply with the revised laws has already been communicated to all local authorities.

According to sources, there will not be much change for households as multiple separation systems are already in place. Social media campaigns are also carried out to raise awareness in society and spread the message.

RS Ameersha, State program officer of Suchitwa Mission, said the revised laws will help improve the state’s activities and provide a more structured and professional approach as the State has already been dealing with segregation of waste since 2016. He said local institutions will be given an orientation on the rules.

According to the revised rules, stricter regulation and separation at source must be carried out and waste must now be divided into four categories: wet, dry, hygienic and special care waste. “Most of what is mentioned in the rules has already been implemented in the state,” he said. He stated that Kerala has been following the waste collection schedule for all categories of waste since 2016 and this schedule may be updated once the new government is sworn in. “With the revised law, multiple unbundling systems will gain further momentum and enable their wider implementation,” he added.

In the case of hazardous waste, the work of the existing team will be facilitated and made more professional. “They will be given special training, personal protective equipment will be provided and collection storage facilities will also be established,” he added.

Renjini S., District Coordinator of Haritha Keralam Mission (HKM) in Ernakulam, said that although multi-class waste segregation has already been implemented across the district, challenges remain in storing the collected waste. “Delay in collecting non-biodegradable waste often occurs due to space constraints,” he explained, adding that the issue requires focused attention. He also stated that waste separation and management is generally easier in rural areas because they produce less waste, while some urban areas face greater challenges.

Jagajeevan N., an advisor to Suchitwa Mission, said Kerala is far ahead in segregation and waste management and the revised rules are a sort of validation of the State’s activities in this regard. “We have not only implemented segregation and effective management of waste, but also run digital tracking systems. Non-biological waste collected from around 95 lakh homes is being digitally tracked,” Mr. Jagajeevan said.

He said the only thing that needs to be ensured now is 100 percent compliance and participation. “The rules require strict adherence to waste management practices among bulk waste generators and this can be to our advantage,” he said.