Trichy: As urban local bodies nationwide prepare to implement the new Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, which require segregation of waste into four categories at source, Trichy is grappling with maintaining even basic two-stream segregation.
Sharp Decline in Source Segregation
Source segregation in the city has plummeted from approximately 70% of collected waste in 2024 to just 30% currently, compelling sanitary workers to perform additional sorting and slowing down door-to-door collection services.
New SWM Rules 2026 Requirements
The SWM Rules, 2026, notified by the Union government in April, mandate households to segregate waste into four categories: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, sanitary, and special-care waste such as medicines and electronic items. These rules replace the SWM Rules, 2016, which prescribed only two categories.
While the corporation is gearing up to implement the upgraded system, officials and sanitation workers indicate that compliance with the existing two-bin system remains poor. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trichy achieved source segregation levels of about 85%, supporting recycling and waste recovery efforts. With segregation now down to 30%, sanitation workers increasingly sort mixed waste after collection.
Worker Insights
Workers estimate that only three out of every ten properties hand over waste in separate bins. Basheer Ahmed, a waste collection vehicle driver, said, “Our workers spend at least an hour every day segregating waste on collection vehicles, often in difficult weather conditions. Many residents expect us to do the segregation for them.”
While some apartment complexes hire workers to segregate waste internally, officials noted that independent houses and commercial establishments account for most non-compliance. The extra time spent sorting waste delays collection schedules across the city. Residents, especially those from households where both adults are employed, often miss collection vehicles and resort to dumping waste in vacant public spaces and along roadsides.
Challenges with Food Waste and Commercial Establishments
Corporation officials also observed an increase in mixed food waste packed in plastic containers, making segregation and recycling more difficult. Many commercial establishments continue to dispose of waste without segregation, and some do not maintain separate bins.
Planned Awareness Campaigns
M Karthikeyan, city health officer, Trichy Corporation, stated, “We are planning awareness campaigns to strengthen source segregation following the notification of the SWM Rules, 2026. Commercial establishments and bulk waste generators will be asked to comply strictly, and residents will be educated on the need to use multiple bins.”
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Trichy | Silver Rate in Trichy | Bank Holidays in Trichy | Public Holidays in Trichy. Stay updated with the latest Trichy news. Download the TOI App.
About the Author
Deepak Karthik is a Trichy-based journalist working as Assistant Editor for The Times of India, covering central and Cauvery delta districts in Tamil Nadu. He writes on politics, transport, urban infrastructure, industries, and technology. Deepak holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering from Sastra University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Public Relations from Bharathidasan University.
