An awareness meeting on the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, was held at the Tiruchi City Corporation’s main office on Monday.

Officials outlined the key provisions of the new rules, which replace the 2016 regulations and mandate segregation of waste at source into biodegradable, recyclable, and non-recyclable categories to improve waste processing and resource recovery.

The rules make four-stream segregation mandatory, requiring waste to be classified as wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste and special-care waste. Wet waste, including kitchen and food waste, is to be composted, while dry waste such as plastic, paper, metal and glass will be sent to Material Recovery Facilities for recycling. Sanitary waste includes used diapers and sanitary pads, while special-care waste covers items such as paint cans, bulbs, mercury thermometers and medicines.

Officials also explained guidelines issued by the Municipal Administration Department for involving elected representatives in waste-management activities at ward, zonal and Urban Local Body levels. Ward-level committees will monitor source segregation, door-to-door collection, public participation and the functioning of waste-management infrastructure, including micro composting centres and material recovery facilities. The guidelines also emphasise awareness campaigns, waste reduction, compliance with regulations and coordination with resident welfare associations, traders and institutions.

Mayor M. Anbazhagan, Corporation Commissioner Veer Pratap Singh, Deputy Mayor G. Divya, councillors, and senior officials participated.