New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- The Union environment ministry has notified Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 for processing of waste by bulk waste generators under extended bulk waste generator responsibility (EBWGR), both expanding the definition of bulk waste generators and introducing the polluter-pays concept for the first time. Bulk waste generators include entities with a floor area of 20,000 square metres or more, or water consumption of 40,000 litres per day or more, or solid waste generation of 100 kg per day or more. These include central and state government departments, local bodies, public sector undertakings, institutions, commercial establishments and residential societies, among others. In solid waste management rules 2016, which the 2026 rule supersede, the bulk waste generator definition did not specify the floor area or water consumption limits of entities. The new rules have a broader definition, which mean more entities will now be classified bulk waste generators. The larger objective of the 2026 rules are the same as the 2016 ones: to strengthen waste management practices, as bulk waste generators account for at least 30% of total solid waste generation in most cities. The new rules make for implementation of "polluter pays" principle, under which environmental compensation will be levied on entities carrying out activities without registration; providing false information or ; and submitting forged or manipulated documents. Under the new rules, bulk waste generators will have to register themselves with the concerned local body through a centralised online portal. This was not the case in 2016 rules. The certificate of registration shall specify conditions required to be fulfilled for registration to remain valid. Both the 2026 and 2026 rules also specify the responsibilities of those organising events such as community festivals, gatherings or weddings and others. These include intimating the relevant local authority about any event that will have a crowd of more than 100 people at least three days before the event; segregating waste generated at the event...