The Environment Ministry notified the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, replacing the 2016 rules from 1 April 2026 for both urban and rural local bodies. Waste must be separated at source into four streams: wet, dry, sanitary and special-care. Following the Polluter Pays Principle, penalties will be enforced by CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards. Bulk generators include those producing 100 kg or more daily and large buildings or institutions. An online portal will track waste flows, landfills are restricted to non-recyclable and inert waste, and biomining of legacy dumpsites is compulsory.