The Indian government has announced amendments to the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2024, which are set to bolster the regulation and management of hazardous wastes in the country.
These amendments have come into force from March 12, 2024 except for specific sections which will be effective from April 1, 2024. They introduce several key changes to the existing rules.
One significant amendment includes the addition of clause 22A, which defines “deposition centers” as specified in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, for the collection of domestic hazardous wastes.
Furthermore, rule 6 now mandates that deposition centers must obtain authorization from the State Pollution Control Board or the Pollution Control Committee concerned. These centers are also required to maintain records of providing domestic hazardous waste to the actual user or disposal facility and file annual returns to the respective authorities.
Additionally, the amendments modify the timelines for filing returns, allowing the Central Government to relax these timelines by up to nine months in certain circumstances deemed necessary for effective implementation or in the public interest.
Moreover, the amendments introduce provisions for the import of post-industrial or pre-consumer polyethylene wastes, subject to the condition of exporting at least thirty-five percent of the total annual turnover.
Furthermore, changes have been made to schedules III, VI, and IX, outlining specific waste categories and their management protocols.
These amendments are aimed at streamlining the management of hazardous and other wastes, ensuring stricter compliance with environmental standards, and facilitating more efficient waste management practices across the country.
