Kerala has introduced a new four-category waste segregation system aimed at improving scientific waste management across the state. The directive, issued by the Suchitwa Mission, is based on revised Central Government solid waste management rules and recent Supreme Court guidelines.
As part of the rollout, a week-long awareness campaign titled ‘Nalla 4 Varthamanam’ (Four Good News) will begin on Friday in connection with World Environment Day. The initiative is expected to help local bodies and residents adapt to the new waste segregation framework.
Under the revised system, waste generated by households, commercial establishments and institutions must now be separated into four categories before processing. While waste was previously classified into biodegradable, non-biodegradable and sanitary waste, a fourth category has now been added. This category includes items such as wood, coconut shells, e-waste, biomedical waste and chemical waste.
According to information available with Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 radio station, the new guidelines also introduce stricter responsibilities for event organisers, businesses and large institutions.
Organisers planning events with more than 100 participants must inform the concerned local body at least three days in advance. In addition, buildings with a floor area of 20,000 square metres or more, establishments consuming over 40,000 litres of water per day, and facilities generating more than 100 kilograms of solid waste daily will be required to register on the Central Pollution Control Board’s online portal.
The directive further mandates that all collected waste must be processed using approved scientific technologies. Installation of waste management plants has also been made compulsory for all new large institutions to ensure proper treatment and disposal of waste at the source.
Special provisions have been included for street hawkers as well. Vendors must maintain suitable containers to collect food waste, disposable plates and cups, cans, plastic covers, coconut shells and fruit and vegetable waste generated through their daily operations.
Authorities say the revised system is designed to strengthen waste segregation at source, improve recycling and scientific disposal practices, and support Kerala’s broader goal of creating cleaner and more sustainable communities.
