Guidelines for Municipal Solid Waste Management Authority

Municipal solid waste management is a system whereby waste and residues generated from residential as well as business and institutional sources are picked up and transported for processing and final disposal. It also strives at reducing nuisances associated with pollution, wastage and resource conservation and encouraging reuse and recycling. This involves collecting waste from homes and businesses, transportation of the waste to waste management centers where they are sorted for recycling, treated, disposed of in a compost or sent to the dump. Another approach to the traditional operation of MSWM used today is the waste conversion technologies to energy so as not to rely much on landfills. Proper MSWM contributes to environmental conservation by reducing such effects as emission of greenhouse gasses and polluting effects on the ground water as well as enhancing the recycling of resources. Successful implementation of the MSWM systems in urban areas requires adequate public enlightenment, appropriate infrastructure and efficient regulations.

Table Of Content

Regulatory Framework for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management

The regulatory framework for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is designed to ensure the effective and environmentally responsible handling of solid waste in urban and rural areas.

Segregation at Source: The rules require disposal of waste at source with distinguished groups of waste which include biodegradable waste, non-biodegradable waste, and hazardous waste. This segregation is important more particularly for ease of management and disposal.
Collection and Transportation: Municipal and municipal corporations are accountable for the collection of waste separated at source and transportation of the waste to a processing or disposal facility.
Processing and Treatment: It must be recalled that the rules stress appropriate technologies such as composting and bio-methanation of biodegradable waste. Recyclable waste should undergo recycling and the only waste that should be dumped is the inert waste.
Waste-to-Energy: The framework promotes the utilization of waste-to-energy technologies for non-recyclable, flammable waste, and minimizes landfill usage and energy production.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The owners of the manufactured products, as well as brands, are obliged to deal with the waste created by them, especially when it comes to packaging.
Involvement of Informal Sector: The rules legalize and afford a place for waste pickers and other informal waste collectors within the structure and thus their contribution to the waste management process.
Monitoring and Compliance: These rules are closely monitored and enforced by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) by routine audits and inspections.

Procedure to obtain Municipal Solid Waste Management Authorization

To obtain Municipal Solid Waste Management Authorization, the following procedure must be followed, primarily governed by the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The process may vary slightly depending on the state, but the core steps remain consistent.

Identify the Need for Authorization: A permit is necessary for any local authority, village panchayat, or agency responsible for the processing, recycling, treatment, or disposal of solid waste in the given area, especially if the waste produced is in an amount exceeding 5000 Kilograms in a single day.
Documentation: Gather the necessary documentation.
Application Submission: This application also known as Form I, should be furnished and attached with documents and forwarded to the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee. This is achievable also through a dedicated web interface for the particular state.
Review Process: The SPCB will review the application, which may involve Field Inspections.
Issuance of Authorization: If the application is approved the SPCB will grant the authorization within 60 days defining the compliance measures and environmental standards.
Validity and Renewal: The authorization is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for five-year periods thereafter. Renewal applications should be submitted 60 days before the expiration date.

Waste Composition and Segregation

Municipal solid waste in India can be categorized into five main types:

Recyclable materials: Glass, metals, paper, and certain plastics.
Composite wastes: Tetra packs and mixed plastics.
Biodegradable wastes: Food scraps, garden waste, and other organic materials.
Inert waste: Construction debris and dirt.
Domestic hazardous waste: E-waste, batteries, and chemicals.

The proper segregation of these categories at source level forms the foundation of proper waste management & is as per the guidelines provided in the new Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016. These rules make it mandatory on all the urban local bodies (ULBs) to involve residents in waste disposal and separation.

Validity for Municipal Solid Waste Management Authorization

The validity of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Authorization is normally for five years. The authorized entity should seek renewal of this authorization at least 90 days to expiry of this authorization in order to continuously operate and be in compliance with the relevant regulations.

Conclusion

MSWM in India is regulated by the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 which provide frameworks that should be followed by the municipalities and urban local bodies (ULBs) in managing wastes. It consists of the principles based on waste source separation, recycling, and the use of Waste-to-Energy technologies. They also legalize the participation of the informal sector waste pickers into the formal sector and make EPR compulsory for producers. MSWM Authorization therefore requires that entities adhere to the standard application process through the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). Authorization is for a period of five years but after expiration, a holder must apply for a new one in order to remain legitimate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is waste segregation at the source important?

Source segregation makes it possible to separate biodegradable wastes, non-biodegradable and the hazardous waste. This leads to increased efficiency in the ways in which waste can be processed, recycled and disposed both in terms of its impact on the environment and the amount it is possible to recover.

Who needs to apply for MSWM authorization?

All local body, panchayat of any village, or agency for processing, recycling, treatment, or disposal of total municipal solid waste in any of the area, especially if waste more than 5000 kg per day), repairing or intending to carry on any of the above activities mentioned must apply for authorization.

Can private companies participate in MSWM?

Yes indeed private companies and organizations are allowed to be involved in MSWM by working in collaboration with the local authorities in the provision of waste collection, processing and disposal. They can also do so through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs and through funds committed to the waste to energy streams.

How is biodegradable waste processed in MSWM?

Biodegradable waste is most often deposited in the composting, bio-methanation or anaerobic digestion categories. Some of the above processes recycle organic waste into compost, biogas or other utilities and hence the amount of waste that goes to the landfill.