Regulatory Compliance in Waste Management

India Just Gave Its Construction Waste Law Real Muscle. Power Sector, Are You Ready to Comply? India’s construction sector, including energy infrastructure, is now subject to a far more rigorous rulebook. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁) 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, notified this month, overhaul the older 2016 framework with a clear focus on accountability, tracking, and circularity. And yes, these rules apply to power plant developers, renewable energy companies, and EPC contractors engaged in construction or demolition activities. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴? → Mandatory EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) for all construction and demolition projects. → Progressive recycling targets – 25% by 2025–26, scaling to 100% by 2028–29, for demolition/reconstruction projects (Schedule I). → Mandatory use of recycled material in new large construction and road projects – with phased targets under Schedules II and III. → Tradable credits through an online portal for registration, tracking, and EPR compliance. → In-situ processing earns higher credit value – nudging sustainable on-site practices. → Penalties, registration revocation, and environmental compensation for non-compliance or misreporting. → Exemptions apply only to strategic projects (e.g., defense, atomic energy, natural disasters). 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 For energy developers, this is a policy shift with operational consequences. From project planning and approvals to contractor scopes and urban interface, the bar just moved. This isn’t just about compliance.  It’s about building systems that embed environmental responsibility into how we develop infrastructure – not afterthought, but design logic. ➡ Rules come into effect on April 1, 2026. If you’re in the power or infrastructure game, it’s time to revisit contracts, workflows, and on-ground practices, before this becomes a compliance scramble! What do you think? What will drive successful adoption of this shift in the power sector – clearer contracts, new EPC practices, or better awareness and compliance strategy? Let me know your thoughts in comments.

India Sets Bold Course for Construction and Demolition Waste Management – Effective April 2026 India is set to enforce one of its most comprehensive environmental regulations – The Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, effective April 1, 2026. Notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, these rules represent a landmark effort to tackle the mounting challenge of construction-related waste across the nation. Who is Impacted: The regulations apply to all construction, demolition, renovation, remodeling, and repair activities, with exceptions for: - Projects under the Atomic Energy Act 1962 - Defence and strategic operations - Waste resulting from natural disasters or war Other waste categories are governed by separate regulations Key Features of the New Rules: (a) Extended Producer Responsibility Producers of construction waste will now be directly accountable. A centralized online portal will manage compliance, certifications, and monitoring. Registrations with the Central Pollution Control Board are mandatory, with a strict 15-day processing window. (b) Strict Compliance Measures Unregistered operations are prohibited. False declarations can result in registration suspension for up to five years and financial penalties. (c) Local Authority Empowerment Municipal bodies must prepare targeted waste management plans and enforce EPR goals. Reusable materials are excluded from EPR target calculations, encouraging circular practices. (d) Recycling Mandate for Large Projects Construction projects exceeding 20000 square meters must incorporate recycled materials. All waste generators are required to purchase EPR certificates from registered recyclers, establishing a functioning circular economy. (e) Accountability and Transparency A robust digital tracking system will log waste movement, storage, and processing. Reporting of accidents within 24 hours is compulsory during all stages of handling, including collection, transport, storage, or processing. (f) Funding and Oversight A 20 to 80 fund-sharing model between Central and State Boards will support implementation. Both boards will jointly oversee the use of recycled waste in infrastructure projects such as road construction. (g) Efficient Storage Protocols Local authorities must establish waste collection and intermediate storage points. Storage duration is limited to 120 days, extendable up to 180 days in specific cases. Timely processing and accurate reporting through the portal are essential. Whether you are involved in real estate development, infrastructure construction, urban planning, waste management, policy advisory, these Rules mark significant shift in the regulatory landscape—making it essential for industry stakeholders to stay informed, assess potential impacts, and proactively align their practices with the upcoming compliance framework. ANB Legal #Sustainability #ESG #India

Hazardous waste management involves the proper handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of waste materials that pose a risk to human health or the environment. Effective management reduces environmental contamination, conserves resources, and ensures compliance with legal and safety standards. Key Steps in Hazardous Waste Management: 1. Identification • Determine if the waste is hazardous based on its characteristics (ignitability, reactivity, corrosivity, toxicity). • Common hazardous wastes include chemicals, batteries, medical waste, pesticides, and e-waste. 2. Segregation • Separate hazardous waste from non-hazardous waste to prevent contamination and simplify disposal. • Avoid mixing incompatible waste types. 3. Storage • Use proper containers labeled with the type of hazardous waste. • Ensure the storage area is secure, ventilated, and complies with safety regulations. 4. Transportation • Transport hazardous waste using authorized carriers. • Follow regulations such as providing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and using proper labeling. 5. Treatment • Use methods like chemical neutralization, incineration, or solidification to reduce the hazardous nature of the waste. • Biological treatment methods may also be used for organic hazardous waste. 6. Disposal • Dispose of hazardous waste in specialized facilities, such as secured landfills or waste treatment plants. • Ensure facilities comply with environmental standards. 7. Recycling and Recovery • Some hazardous wastes, like certain chemicals or metals, can be recycled or reused. • Example: Recycling lead from batteries. 8. Documentation and Compliance • Maintain records of hazardous waste generation, transport, and disposal for regulatory compliance. • Adhere to local, national, and international hazardous waste regulations 9. Training and Awareness • Train employees and workers handling hazardous waste to follow safety protocols. • Educate communities about safe disposal practices. 10. Emergency Preparedness • Have an emergency response plan for spills, leaks, or accidents. • Equip storage and handling areas with spill kits, fire extinguishers, and protective gear. Proper hazardous waste management is crucial for sustainable development, minimizing environmental harm, and protecting public health.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS & IMPACTS REGISTER – BEST PRACTICES Environmental Aspects & Impacts Register is just a checkbox exercise, you’re missing the point. Here’s what actually makes it effective — and audit-ready: ✅ Start with your real activities – Don’t copy a generic list. Walk the site, talk to operators, and map out every process that could touch the environment. ✅ Link every aspect to an actual impact – Think emissions, discharges, resource use, waste generation, noise, spills, etc. ✅ Score significance – Use a clear, risk-based matrix (Likelihood × Severity). Mark what’s really worth acting on. ✅ Tie controls to significant aspects – ISO 14001:2015 expects operational controls to be driven by risks. ✅ Keep it dynamic – Update it when operations, legislation, or site conditions change. This isn’t a “set and forget” tool. ✅ Map legal obligations – Every aspect should be traced to applicable environmental laws, permits, or internal standards. #HSE #Environment #ISO14001 #EnvironmentalCompliance #RiskAssessment #EMS #Sustainability #EnvironmentalImpact #EHSManagement #RegulatoryCompliance #OperationalExcellence #PollutionPrevention #EnvironmentalManagement

🏭 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT PREPARATION FOR FACTORIES (Under Environment Protection Act, 1986, and related Rules) 👉 Understand Applicable Legal Requirements: Identify which environmental laws apply to your factory. 1) Law Applicability Environment Protection Act, 1986 2) Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 3) Discharge of effluents: Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 4) Hazardous Waste Management Rules 5) E-Waste, Plastic Waste, Battery Waste Rules—Based on factory processes 6) Factories Act, 1948 (Sec. 41A-41H) For hazardous processes 7) State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) Consent CTE (Consent to Establish) & CTO (Consent to Operate) 👉 Collect & Review Key Documents Before the audit, gather the following: a) CTE and CTO certificates b) Air & water quality test reports c) Stack emissions test reports 4) Hazardous waste manifest records 5) Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) or Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) logs 6) DG set (diesel generator) compliance and noise pollution records 7) Solid waste disposal contracts 8) Rainwater harvesting/green belt development evidence (if required) 9) Form V (Annual Environmental Statement under EPA Rules) 👉 Conduct Internal Environmental Monitoring Perform internal checks through your Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) or facilities team: a) Stack emissions within limits? b) Treated water quality meets PCB norms? c) Noise levels monitored? d) Hazardous waste stored & labeled properly? f) MSDS available? g) Staff trained in spill management? 👉 Environmental Audit Report Format : Depending on your auditor and SPCB guidelines, the format usually includes: a) Basic Factory Information b) Process Description & Flow Chart c) Air Emissions Details d) Water Usage & Wastewater Generation e) Solid & Hazardous Waste Management f) Energy Consumption & DG Set Details g) Chemical Storage & Safety Measures h) Compliance with CTE/CTO Conditions e) Environmental Monitoring Results f) Recommendations & Action Plan ⚠️ Note: Gujarat and some other states require mandatory Environmental Audit Reports in prescribed formats (Schedule I auditors). Other states may require audits during consent renewals or as part of ISO 14001. 👉 Appoint an Accredited Environmental Auditor: For mandatory audits (like in Gujarat), only Schedule-I auditors approved by the State Pollution Control Board can conduct the audit. Elsewhere, engage certified EHS consultants with experience in your sector. 👉 Submission & Follow-up: a) Submit audit reports to SPCB as required. b) Implement the corrective actions on priority. c) Maintain records for at least 3–5 years. 📌 Best Practices for Smooth Audit 1) Maintain logbooks for ETP/STP. 2) Conduct monthly internal audits. 3) Keep SOPs ready for waste handling, spill control, and emergencies. 4) Train staff regularly in environmental compliance. 5) Install display boards showing environmental parameters (as per PCB norms).