THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state is set to roll out two key waste management policies—a comprehensive Solid Waste Management Policy and a dedicated Plastic Recycling Policy—aimed at creating a long-term roadmap for scientific waste disposal, strengthening recycling systems and bringing bulk waste generators, plastic producers and recyclers under a stricter compliance framework.
A top LSGD official told TNIE that the draft Solid Waste Management Policy has been submitted to the government and will focus on Solid Waste Management Rules 2026. It will strengthen monitoring of bulk waste generators, including large residential complexes, institutions and commercial establishments.
The government is considering amendments to building rules to make waste management facilities mandatory for larger residential properties. “The policy on solid waste management provides a five-year action plan for integrated waste management and infrastructure development, while the Plastic Recycling Policy will focus on creating a structured ecosystem involving plastic manufacturers, importers, recyclers and regulators. The state is planning to submit the plastic policy to the government within 100 days,” said the official.
The state government is finalising the draft Solid Waste Management Policy and vetting by the legal department is under way. The policy is expected to guide waste management interventions for the next five to ten years, with specific targets for the initial five-year period. “The policy will define how we move forward and what we aim to achieve in the next five years,” the official said. The Plastic Recycling Policy is aimed at bringing all major stakeholders in the plastic sector -- producers, importers, manufacturers and recyclers -- onto a single platform.
The policy will focus on strengthening reporting mechanisms, improving recycling systems and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
“A first-level consultation was recently held with plastic recyclers, producers, manufacturers, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and other stakeholders. Their suggestions will be incorporated into the draft policy. The idea is to bring everyone involved in plastic production and recycling into a coordinated system. EPR implementation and compliance mechanisms will be important components,” the official said.
The new solid waste management rules proposed integrated solutions and a regional waste management system that serves multiple local bodies. “One of the major challenges the policy aims to address is land availability for waste management infrastructure.
“Waste management cannot remain only the responsibility of the LSGD. Departments such as industries, agriculture and forest, which have land resources, also need to be brought into the system,” the official added.
With the Supreme Court directly monitoring the implementation of waste management rules 2026, urban local bodies and district collectors are directly reporting the compliance report to the Supreme Court monitoring committee.
“The district collectors have been assigned to ensure compliance of the rules including clearance of legacy waste. Biomining of legacy dumpsites is currently under way at 59 sites across the state. Around 25 sites have been completed,” the official added.
Plan of action
Plastic Recycling Policy aims at bringing all major stakeholders in plastic sector onto single platform.
New solid waste mgmt rules propose regional waste management system that serves multiple local bodies