Policies and Regulations on Waste Management in Commercial Buildings in India
Waste management is a critical issue that needs to be addressed in every sector of society, and commercial buildings are no exception. In India, the government has implemented several policies and regulations to ensure proper waste management in commercial buildings. This article aims to provide an overview of these policies and regulations, with a focus on their implications for commercial buildings.
The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, replaced the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000. The new rules introduced several changes, including the inclusion of both urban and industrial areas. Under these rules, waste generators must segregate waste into three categories: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous waste. The rules also mandate that all commercial buildings must segregate their waste at the source and hand it over to authorized waste pickers or collectors.
The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, replaced the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011. The new rules introduced a ban on plastic bags thinner than 50 microns and a phasing out of multi-layered plastic. The rules also require local bodies to implement a system for the management of plastic waste.
The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016
The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, replaced the E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011. The new rules introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which requires producers to take responsibility for the management of e-waste. The rules also mandate that all commercial buildings must ensure the proper management of e-waste.
The Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016
The Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, are the first of their kind in India. These rules mandate that all waste generated from construction and demolition activities must be stored, separated, and disposed of properly. The rules also require local bodies to commission construction and demolition waste processing facilities within 18 months from the date of final publication of these rules.
The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016
The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, replaced the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling, and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008. The new rules introduced a ban on the import of solid plastic waste, even in special economic zones (SEZ) and by export-oriented units (EOU).
Summary of Policies and Regulations
The Indian government has implemented a comprehensive set of policies and regulations to manage waste in commercial buildings. These include the Solid Waste Management Rules, the Plastic Waste Management Rules, the E-Waste Management Rules, the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, and the Hazardous and Other Wastes Management Rules. These rules mandate the segregation of waste at the source, the proper management of different types of waste, and the responsibility of producers for the management of e-waste. The government has also banned the import of solid plastic waste and the use of plastic bags thinner than 50 microns.
 The policies and regulations on waste management in commercial buildings in India aim to ensure the proper management of waste, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including building owners, managers, and occupants, to understand and comply with these regulations to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.