Objective: Ensure safe storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes, minimizing harm to the environment and human health.

1. Import of hazardous waste listed in Part A of Schedule III is permitted for recycling, recovery, reuse, and co-processing.
2. Import for disposal is strictly prohibited in India.
3. Import is allowed only for actual users (industries) with permission from MoEF&CC and a license from DGFT.

Illegal Imports:

1. Any import of hazardous waste without prior permission from MoEF&CC is illegal.
2. Legal action can be taken under the Indian Ports Act, 1908 or the Customs Act, 1962.
3. Ports and Customs Authorities are responsible for monitoring and taking action against illegal imports.

Import/Export of Waste:

1. No hazardous waste can be imported for final disposal into India.
2. The rules specify procedures for importing and exporting hazardous waste.
3. Exemptions are made for the export of silk waste and defective electrical/electronic components.

Wastes Prohibited for Import:

1. Waste edible fats and oils (animal/vegetable origin)
2. Household waste
3. Critical care medical equipment
4. Tyres for direct re-use
5. Plastic waste, including PET bottles
6. Electrical and electronic scrap
7. Other chemical wastes, especially in solvent form

Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities:

1. The rules provide clear directions on how treatment, storage, and disposal facilities should be established.
2. SPCBs must approve layout of these facilities.

• Duties Assigned to State Governments: Allocate space for recycling and pre-processing of hazardous waste, and implement skill development activities for worker safety.
• Annual Reports: State governments must submit reports on hazardous waste management to MoEFCC. SPCBs must submit an annual inventory of hazardous waste management activities to ensure compliance
• Monitoring and Compliance: SPCBs monitor adherence to rules and take action against violations.
• Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities: SPCBs approve and monitor facilities for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal.

PYQ:

[2019] As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct? 

(a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.

(b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.

(c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.

(d) It is mandatory on the part of the waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.