The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Monday announced the introduction of a four-bin waste segregation system across the city, marking a stricter implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. Under the new system, daily waste generated by residents, institutions, and commercial establishments must be segregated into four categories: wet waste in green bins, dry waste in blue bins, sanitary waste in red bins, and domestic hazardous or special-care waste in black bins.
Objectives and Benefits
Civic officials stated that the initiative aims to enhance recycling rates and ensure the scientific disposal of the city's daily waste output. The segregation drive is also expected to boost operations at the compressed bio-gas plant in Jhiri, operated by GAIL India Ltd, where wet waste is processed into bio-CNG and organic manure. Currently, around 80 tonnes of wet waste reaches the facility, which has a capacity to process 150 tonnes daily. The RMC targets raising the supply to 100 tonnes by the end of the month and eventually utilizing the plant's full capacity.
Official Directives and Public Participation
During a meeting with bulk waste generators on Monday, Additional Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Kumar emphasized that mixed waste would not be accepted. He urged residents to ensure proper segregation before handing over garbage for collection. “Segregation at source is necessary for effective recycling and scientific disposal. Public participation is key to making the system work,” Kumar said. The civic body also directed bulk generators producing over 100 kg of waste daily to manage biodegradable waste at source and comply with segregation norms.
Amit Kumar, a banquet hall owner in Bariatu, acknowledged the challenges: “Waste segregation is a necessary step, and banquet halls can separate food waste effectively. The challenge comes during large events when waste is generated in high volume. It will need staff training, proper bins, and consistent collection support from the civic body.”
Residents' Concerns
Residents, however, expressed concerns about the initiative's success without reliable waste collection services. “Separating waste at home is not difficult, but garbage pickup in Hatma’s inner lanes remains irregular. Waste often lies outside houses for two to three days,” said Anita Devi, a resident of ward 2. The RMC has yet to address these logistical issues publicly, but officials assured that collection schedules would be streamlined to support the new segregation rules.
