Procedure to Obtain Authorization under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016

Shreya Jain

Shreya Jain

Published on: Dec 31, 2025

Anamika Rathore

Updated on: Dec 31, 2025

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Introduction

In rapidly developing urban landscapes, uncollected waste is more than an eyesore; it is a critical public health hazard that breeds disease-carrying pests and destabilizes infrastructure. To combat this, Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016 provide a structured legal framework designed to minimize waste generation and streamline disposal.

Solid Waste Management Authorization is a mandatory legal consent for any entity involved in the processing, recycling or disposal of solid waste.

Under the 2016 Rules, solid waste includes unwanted solid or semi-solid materials generated from domestic, commercial, industrial, or institutional activities. These are typically categorized by:

1. Origin: Domestic, commercial, or industrial sources.
2. Contents: Organic matter, plastics, metal, glass, or paper.
3. Hazard Potential: Flammable, toxic, radioactive, or infectious materials.

Applicable Provisions

• Sections 3, 6, and 25 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Rule 2, 15 (y) and 16 (1) (c) of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016

Mandatory Requirements

• Form 1 for Application for obtaining Authorization under solid waste management rules for processing/recycling/treatment and disposal of solid waste
• Form 4 for Renewals
• Land ownership/lease proof & site clearance from the local authority.
• Environmental Clearance (EC), if required.
• Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) (or proof of application).
• Detailed Project Report (DPR) with process flow and machinery details.
• Agreement between the municipal authority and the operating agency (if applicable).

Procedure

Under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, any entity including local bodies, private agencies, or waste processors handling more than five metric tonnes of waste per day must secure formal authorization. The process is governed by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or the Pollution Control Committee (PCC).

1. Application Submission

   File an application using Form I. This is mandatory for setting up waste processing, treatment, or disposal facilities (including sanitary landfills). All states now utilize online portals like the OCMMS (Online Consent Management & Monitoring System) for submissions of application.

2. Review and Verification

   Once the application is received, the SPCB/PCC will:

   • Examine the proposal and conduct necessary inquiries.
   • Perform a field verification, often dispatched via a regional engineer, to inspect the site and validate the technical claims made in the application.
3. Grant of Authorization

   If the authorities are satisfied that the facility meets the standards laid out in Schedules I & II of the Rules, they will issue the Authorization in Form II. The board is mandated to respond within 60 days.

4. Validity and Renewal of the Solid Waste management Authorization

   The authorization shall be valid for 2 years initially and after that for a period of 5 years on subsequent renewals. An application for renewal can be made in Form 4 before 60 days of expiry and the state pollution control committee or the pollution control committee can renew after examining each case.