Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has begun implementing the revised Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, which came into effect nationwide on April 1. The updated rules aim to strengthen scientific waste disposal and enforce stricter segregation at source.

Under the new system, segregation of waste into four categories has been made mandatory for all waste generators within city limits:

  1. Wet waste: Kitchen refuse, fruit and vegetable peels, leftover food, meat waste, flowers and leaves
  2. Dry waste: Plastic, bottles, paper, cardboard and rubber
  3. Sanitary waste: Used sanitary pads, diapers, condoms and bandages
  4. Domestic hazardous waste: Batteries, LED bulbs, tube lights, paint containers, pesticide bottles and thermometers

MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik said wet and sanitary waste will be collected daily, while dry and hazardous waste will be collected once a week, on Fridays. The move is expected to improve collection efficiency and ensure safer handling of different waste streams.

The corporation has also defined bulk waste generators under the revised framework. Establishments generating more than 100 kg of waste daily, with built-up areas exceeding 20,000 sq. metres, or consuming over 40,000 litres of water per day—including malls, hospitals, offices and large residential complexes—will face stricter compliance norms.

The MCC has warned that violations of segregation rules will invite penalties under the Solid Waste Management Bye-laws 2019. Residents have been urged to strictly follow the four-way segregation system, while bulk generators have been directed to process wet waste within their premises.

Citizens can contact the MCC Health Department during office hours for further information.