SWM Rules, 2026
INTRODUCTION
Notice to all Citizens, Village Councils, and Institutional Establishments:
In compliance with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notification and the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 have officially replaced the previous 2016 framework.
In Khawzawl District, under the direct administration of the Deputy Commissioner, a dedicated Special SWM Cell has been constituted. These rules shift the primary responsibility of waste management to the generator. Non-compliance, littering, or open burning will attract immediate environmental compensation penalties under the "Polluter Pays" principle.
The SWM Rules, 2026 make it strictly mandatory for every household, shop, and office in Khawzawl to segregate their waste into four separate streams before handing it over to the Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) collection vehicles or VC collectors.
- Wet Waste (Biodegradable): Food waste, kitchen waste, vegetable peels, fruit cores, tea leaves, and organic yard waste.
- Dry Waste (Recyclable): Plastics, paper, cardboard, metals, glass, wood, and dry rubber. All dry waste must be diverted to the local Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
- Sanitary Waste: Used diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, and condoms. Rule: These must be securely wrapped in paper pouches before being discarded into the designated collection stream.
- Special Care Waste (Domestic Hazardous): Expired medicines, paint cans, CFL/LED bulbs, tube lights, used batteries, and empty pesticide containers.
Enforcement Notice: Collection vehicles are strictly directed to reject mixed or unsegregated waste. Mixed waste disposal into public spaces or landfills will attract heavy financial penalties.
