New 4-dustbin waste segregation rule kicks in: Check what green, red, black bins mean

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like The central government has revised the waste management system implemented from April 1, requiring all households to segregate their waste into four categories. The earlier two-bin system will now convert to a four-bin framework, separating wet, dry, sanitary and hazardous waste. The rules also instruct citizens to securely wrap the used sanitary waste, like diapers, sanitary pads, etc., in the pouches provided by the manufacturers or brand owners of the products. (Unsplash/Representational Image)In January, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change notified the revision of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. Under the new rules, waste will be separated into colour-coded bins. Also read: CM Yogi flags off 250 eco-vehicles as LMC ditches diesel waste fleet These rules apply to all urban and rural local bodies and everything within their areas. This includes industrial areas, SEZs, railway premises, airports, ports, defence establishments, religious and historical sites, as well as all public and private landowners. It also announced the imposition of penalties in case of non-compliance. The rules also instruct citizens to securely wrap the used sanitary waste, like diapers, sanitary pads, etc., in the pouches provided by the manufacturers or brand owners of the products. It also advised people to store construction and demolition waste separately, as and when generated. Further, bulk waste generators, including gated communities and institutions with an area exceeding 5,000 square metres, will be required to process wet waste on-site. The rules also prohibit mixing of biomedical waste with general solid waste. Also read: MCD floats plan for alternate-day waste collection The SWM Rules, 2026, also incorporate the "polluter pays" principle, enabling authorities to levy environmental compensation for violations such as non-segregation, false reporting, and improper waste handling practices. Delhi civic authorities have urged residents to follow five basic steps, including segregating waste, disposing of it at designated times, avoiding open dumping, spreading awareness, and reporting violations to ensure effective implementation. Akansha Purohit is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she is part of the online news desk. She began her journey with the organisation as an intern and later joined the newsroom in a full-time editorial role. With close to a year of experience at Hindustan Times, she contributes to the daily news cycle by writing, curating, and editing digital content. Her work primarily focuses on national and international news, along with explainers that simplify complex developments and ongoing issues. She also writes on matters of public interest, and handles blogs with live updates. Akansha holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi, and completed her postgraduate studies in Digital Media from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. During her postgraduate programme, she worked on several research and journalism projects that strengthened her reporting, editing, and digital storytelling skills.Read More