Question

As per the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 (Govt. of India), which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

• A. Biodegradable wastes should be processed biologically preferably in decentralized facilities at the sources of generation.
• B. Biodegradable wastes should be processed biologically preferably in centralized facilities away from the sources of generation.
• C. Used sanitary pads and napkins should be wrapped and disposed into the domestic hazardous waste containers.
• D. Non-biodegradable components with a heat content more than 1500 kcal/kg should be used for power generation or Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) manufacture.

Hint:

SWM Rules 2016 promote decentralization for wet waste and energy recovery for high-calorific dry waste.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, D

Step 1: Check Rule 15 of SWM Rules 2016.
The Rules encourage decentralized composting and biomethanation for biodegradable waste at or near the source. So statement (A) is correct.
Step 2: Evaluate statements (B) and (C).
(B) is incorrect because centralized processing of biodegradable waste increases transport load and contradicts the rule's preference for decentralized management.
(C) is incorrect because sanitary pads and diapers must be wrapped and disposed of as domestic hazardous waste, but only households with such waste volumes require separate bins; this is not universally required for all households. Rules emphasize segregation, not necessarily “domestic hazardous waste containers” for all.
Step 3: Check RDF / energy recovery provision.
Rule 21 specifies that high calorific value waste (more than 1500 kcal/kg) should be diverted to RDF or waste-to-energy plants. So (D) is correct.
Thus, correct statements are (A) and (D).
Final Answer: (A), (D)