Question 1

Sanitary waste and domestic hazardous waste are collected together under a single 'hazardous' category.

Accepted Answer

Under the 2026 Rules, they are distinct streams. Sanitary waste (diapers, napkins) is the third stream, while special-care waste (batteries, paints, bulbs) is the fourth stream.

Question 2

Only entities producing massive amounts of solid garbage qualify as Bulk Waste Generators.

Accepted Answer

An entity qualifies as a BWG based on infrastructure proxies even if their solid waste is low. A facility using over 40,000 liters of water daily is automatically a BWG.

Question 3

Consider the following statements regarding the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026:
1. They introduce a mandatory four-stream segregation of waste at source, replacing the 2016 three-stream model.
2. An establishment consuming more than 40,000 liters of water per day automatically qualifies as a Bulk Waste Generator.
3. Local bodies are strictly prohibited from generating carbon credits through waste management to prevent double counting in the national registry.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

(b) Only two — Statement 1 is correct: The 2026 rules mandate wet, dry, sanitary, and special-care streams. Statement 2 is correct: The BWG definition includes thresholds of 20,000 sq m floor area, 40,000 L/day water, or 100 kg/day waste. Statement 3 is incorrect: Rule 8 explicitly encourages local bodies to generate carbon credits to offset infrastructure costs.

Question 4

Match List I (Waste Category under SWM 2026) with List II (Mandated Processing/Handling):
List I:
A. Wet Waste
B. Dry Waste
C. Sanitary Waste
D. Special Care Waste

List II:
1. Routed strictly through Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
2. Processed via composting or bio-methanation
3. Handled by authorized agencies for domestic hazardous items
4. Wrapped securely and handled separately for hygiene

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

(a) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 — Wet waste (A) is organic and must be composted or bio-methanated (2). Dry waste (B) comprises recyclables and is routed to MRFs (1). Sanitary waste (C) like diapers must be wrapped securely (4). Special care waste (D) includes domestic hazardous items like batteries and paints (3).

Question 5

Assertion (A): Under the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, sanitary landfills are restricted to accepting only non-recyclable, non-energy-recoverable, and inert waste.
Reason (R): The rules aim to promote a circular economy by mandating the use of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) in industrial plants to ensure guaranteed markets for combustible non-recyclables.
Select the correct answer:

Accepted Answer

(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. — Assertion A is true, as the rules strictly limit landfills to true residuals to prevent methane emissions and land degradation. Reason R is also true, as the rules mandate industries to substitute solid fuels with RDF. However, R is not the primary explanation for A. The restriction on landfills is a broader Zero Waste principle to stop biodegradable and recyclable waste dumping, not solely to fuel the RDF market.

Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 notified

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