MCC to introduce new SWM guidelines from April 1

Mangaluru: Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is set to launch its new Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, for updated guidelines on a cleaner, greener city.Key features of the new rules include four-way waste segregation, implementation of Polluter Pays Principle, online solid waste management audits, smart monitoring, and a special focus on large-scale waste producers. Hereafter, only inert and non-recyclable waste will be allowed in landfills of MCC at Pachanady. The civic body will implement the new waste management guidelines from April 1, said Dayananada Anil Poojary, environmental engineer, MCC, adding that under four-way segregation, sorting of waste at source is mandatory. Residents are required to segregate waste into four categories: Wet waste (food and kitchen waste), dry waste (plastic, paper, and metal), sanitary waste (diapers and sanitary pads), and hazardous/special waste (bulbs, paints, and medicines). MCC will focus on bulk waste generators (BWG) that constitute 30% of total waste. An entity is classified as a BWG if it meets any of the three criteria prescribed. These include entities with an area above 20,000 square metres; water consumption above 40,000 litres per day; or those that generate 100 kg of waste daily – including govt offices, malls, and large institutions. BWGs must process wet waste within their own premises and obtain an EBWGR certificate from MCC. They should ensure safe disposal and follow the Polluter Pays principle. Violation of this shall attract penalties. MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik appealed to the people to follow these guidelines to keep the city clean and green.