Legal Provisions
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Know the Law, Act Responsibly
Segregate waste at source, process it scientifically and keep public places clean. Learn about legal responsibilities and official guidelines here.
👨👩👧 Responsibilities of Every Citizen
Households
Process biodegradable waste at home wherever possible using suitable methods such as composting. Segregate non-biodegradable waste properly, keep it clean and hand it over to the Haritha Karma Sena.
Commercial Establishments
Keep the premises clean, do not dump waste in open spaces, and comply with applicable collection and processing arrangements and user fees.
Institutions and Bulk Waste Generators
In accordance with applicable rules, ensure source-level waste processing based on the quantity and nature of waste generated, and maintain the required records.
Public Places
Do not dump or burn waste on roads, water bodies, roadsides, vacant plots or other public places.
Waste Collection System
Follow the collection schedule and hand over segregated waste to Haritha Karma Sena members every month in the prescribed manner.
Public Participation
If you notice illegal waste dumping, inform the concerned authorities through the available official complaint mechanism.
♻️ Segregate Waste Properly
In line with the four-category segregation approach under the 2026 Central Rules, citizens should also follow the local collection instructions notified by the concerned authorities.
Category 1
Wet / Biodegradable Waste
Food leftovers, vegetable and fruit peels, flowers and other biodegradable materials. Adopt suitable composting or other approved methods of organic waste processing.
Category 2
Dry / Non-Biodegradable Waste
Plastic, paper, metal, glass and similar materials. Keep them as clean as possible and hand them over to an authorised collection system for reuse or recycling.
Category 3
Sanitary Waste
Diapers, sanitary napkins and similar waste should be securely wrapped and handed over according to the instructions of the local self-government institution or authorised agency. Do not mix them with other waste.
Category 4
Waste Requiring Special Care
Expired medicines, batteries, bulbs, containers with chemical residues, needles and similar waste must not be mixed with ordinary waste. Use an appropriate special collection facility.
📜 Important Laws and Rules
The following laws and rules, along with their latest amendments, should be referred to before taking action in any relevant situation.
Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994
Relevant provisions and amendments relating to sanitation, waste management, public health and action against violations by Grama Panchayats.
Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026
The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, came into force on 1 April 2026. Refer to the requirements, including segregation of waste into four categories at source.
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The central legislation that provides the general legal framework for environmental protection and the rules issued under it.
Plastic Waste Management Rules
Refer to the applicable rules and amendments concerning the collection, processing and recycling of plastic waste, including Extended Producer Responsibility wherever applicable.
Special Waste Management Rules
Separate rules may apply to e-waste, batteries, biomedical waste, hazardous waste and construction and demolition waste.
Kerala Government Orders and Guidelines
Existing orders, policies and procedures issued by the Local Self Government Department, Suchitwa Mission and Kerala State Pollution Control Board must also be followed.
🚨 Important Legal Provisions to Note
| Section | Subject | Published Penalty Reference* | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 219N | Dumping waste in public or private places | Some official local-government websites mention a penalty of up to ₹5,000. | Verify the latest amendments and applicable procedures. |
| 219AC | Failure to segregate waste or hand it over to the prescribed system | Some official local-government websites mention ₹1,000–₹10,000. | Check the nature of the offence and the applicable legal provision. |
| 219AD | Failure to pay the prescribed user fee | Some official websites refer to 50% of the monthly user fee. | Verify the current fee order and applicable legal provision. |
| 219B | Failure to comply with prescribed instructions for storing and handing over waste | Some official local-government websites mention ₹1,000–₹10,000. | Confirm the current legal wording and applicability. |
| 219K | Discharging wastewater into public places or water bodies | Some official local-government websites mention ₹5,000–₹50,000. | Check the applicable law, circumstances and other rules. |
🌱 Four Steps of Waste Management
Segregate at Source
Identify and separate each category of waste at the place where it is generated.
Store Safely
Store waste properly to prevent littering, foul odour and health hazards.
Hand Over to an Authorised System
Follow the collection schedule prescribed by the Panchayat or authorised agency.
Reuse and Scientific Processing
Promote reuse, recycling and scientific processing wherever possible.
