Waste Management by the Bulk Waste Generators (BWGS) and Establishing a Decentralized Waste Management Ecosystem

The global waste crisis is intensifying: with municipal solid waste generation projected to double by 2050, the need for sustainable and affordable solutions has become more urgent than ever. Urban spaces in the Global South, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, are at the epicenter of this crisis, grappling with overwhelming waste volumes and inadequate management infrastructures

In India, the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 define Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) as entities producing 100 kg or more of waste per day or having a built-up area of 5,000 sq m or more, mandating them to segregate waste at source and manage organic waste in situ. The new proposed Solid Waste Management Rules, 2024 strengthen this framework by introducing Environmental Compensation and Extended Bulk Waste Generators Responsibility (EBWGR).

Ensuring BWG compliance can significantly reduce the financial burden on local authorities by minimising waste collection, transportation and processing costs. This approach is particularly relevant for sub-Saharan Africa, where door-to-door waste collection remains below 10 per cent on average. BWG compliance ensuring decentralised waste management—where organic waste is processed on-site—has consistently outperformed costly centralised systems, as seen in successful models across India. Implementing such low-cost, effective strategies can enhance segregation rates, material recovery and recycling, preventing waste from reaching landfills.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) invites applications for its specially curated sevenday global online training programme. The course will explore successful models, policy frameworks and actionable strategies to help nations in the Global South revamp their waste management systems sustainably

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

• Mandates for BWGs and the need to make them comply by local governments -- how this can be beneficial for them
• Concept of EBWGR and the proposed draft SWM Rules 2024 in India – key takeaways for the Global South
• Models of BWG compliance in India and their replicability in the Global South
• Benefits of decentralised waste management system and BWGs compliance to ensure decentralised waste management

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE COURSE

• Live sessions with domain experts and practitioners
• Course materials and resources
• Certificate of completion

For further details, please contact the course coordinators:

Mou Sengupta
Programme Manager
Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy Unit, CSE
Email: mou.sengupta@cseindia.org
Phone: +91 9836448262 

SHROTIK BOSE
Research Associate
Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy, CSE
Email: shrotik.bose@cseindia.org
Phone: +91 9614489145