Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is set to implement its new Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, introducing updated guidelines aimed at improving waste handling and promoting a cleaner and greener city. The new rules will come into effect from April 1 and will bring significant changes to how residents, institutions and businesses manage waste.
According to Dayananda Anil Poojary, environmental engineer of MCC, the revised rules emphasise stricter waste segregation, enhanced monitoring systems and accountability measures for waste generators. One of the major highlights of the new policy is the mandatory four-way segregation of waste at the source.
Officials said the move is part of MCC’s broader strategy to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainable waste management practices across the city.
Four-way waste segregation made mandatory
Under the new SWM Rules, 2026, residents and establishments must segregate waste into four distinct categories before handing it over for collection.
These categories include wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste and hazardous or special waste. Wet waste consists mainly of kitchen and food waste, while dry waste includes recyclable materials such as plastic, paper and metal.
Sanitary waste covers items such as diapers and sanitary pads, which require careful disposal due to health concerns. Hazardous or special waste includes items like bulbs, paints, batteries and expired medicines that can pose environmental risks if not handled properly.
MCC officials stressed that segregation at the source is essential for effective waste processing and recycling. The civic body plans to conduct awareness campaigns to educate residents on how to separate waste properly.
Only inert waste allowed at Pachanady landfill
Another important feature of the new rules is the restriction on the type of waste that can be sent to the landfill site at Pachanady.
According to MCC, only inert and non-recyclable waste will be permitted at the landfill going forward. This measure is intended to significantly reduce the volume of waste dumped at the site and extend the life of the landfill.
Officials said most recyclable and biodegradable waste will instead be processed through decentralised waste management systems or treatment facilities.
This change is expected to reduce environmental pollution and improve waste management efficiency in the city.
Focus on bulk waste generators
The new guidelines place special emphasis on regulating bulk waste generators (BWGs), which account for nearly 30 per cent of the total waste produced in Mangaluru.
Entities will be classified as BWGs if they meet any one of three criteria set by MCC. These include having a property area exceeding 20,000 square metres, consuming more than 40,000 litres of water per day, or generating at least 100 kilograms of waste daily.
Government offices, shopping malls, educational institutions, hotels and large commercial establishments are among the entities likely to fall under this category.
On-site waste processing required
Under the new rules, bulk waste generators must process their wet waste within their own premises rather than relying entirely on municipal waste collection.
They are also required to obtain an EBWGR certificate from MCC confirming that they are complying with waste management norms. Proper disposal mechanisms must be implemented to ensure that waste generated within such premises is handled responsibly.
The civic body believes that on-site processing will significantly reduce the burden on municipal waste infrastructure and transportation systems.
Polluter Pays principle to be enforced
MCC will also implement the Polluter Pays Principle as part of the new waste management rules. This means individuals or institutions responsible for generating waste will also be accountable for its proper disposal.
Officials said that violations of the rules, including failure to segregate waste or improper disposal by bulk generators, will attract penalties.
The introduction of penalties is aimed at encouraging stricter compliance and ensuring that waste management responsibilities are shared by all stakeholders.
Smart monitoring and online audits
To strengthen enforcement, MCC plans to introduce smart monitoring systems and online solid waste management audits.
These systems will help authorities track waste handling practices across the city and identify violations more effectively. Digital audits are expected to improve transparency and make it easier for the civic body to monitor compliance by institutions and businesses.
Officials believe the use of technology will make the implementation of the new rules more efficient and accountable.
Appeal to citizens for cooperation
MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik has appealed to residents, businesses and institutions to cooperate with the civic body in implementing the new waste management guidelines.
He emphasised that proper waste segregation and responsible disposal are essential for maintaining public health and protecting the environment.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 marks a significant step towards improving urban sanitation and environmental sustainability in Mangaluru. With stricter segregation rules, enhanced monitoring and greater responsibility placed on waste generators, the civic body aims to build a cleaner and more sustainable city.
Authorities believe that public participation will play a key role in the success of these initiatives when the new guidelines come into effect from April 1.