By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 24: In keeping with its previous appeals, the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) has urged all the citizens to adhere to the waste management provisions under Rule 4 of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Segregate and store waste in three separate streams — bio-degradable, non-bio-degradable and domestic hazardous wastes in suitable bins and handover segregated wastes to the appropriate waste collection vehicle, the SMB said in a statement.
“Wrap used sanitary waste like diapers, sanitary pads etc., securely in the pouches provided by the manufacturers or brand owners of these products or in a suitable wrapping material and place the same in the bin meant for dry waste or non bio-degradable waste,” it said.
It notified that starting October 1, the SMB will stop collection of mixed waste, and if anyone is found not segregating waste at source shall be penalized on the spot as per provisions of the Meghalaya SWM Bye Laws 2020. The penalty shall be compounded for any subsequent violation, the municipal board said in the statement.
The SMB has warned all waste generators against throwing, burning or burying the solid waste on the streets, open public spaces or in the drain or water bodies.
Street vendors have been directed to keep suitable containers for storage of waste generated during the course of their activity such as food waste, disposable plates, cups, cans, wrappers, coconut shells, leftover food, vegetables, fruits etc. “…deposit such waste at the appropriate waste collection vehicle. All hotels and restaurants shall ensure segregation of waste at source and facilitate collection of segregated waste in separate streams, and process the bio-degradable waste through composting or bio-methanation within the premises as far as possible. The residual waste shall be given to the waste collection vehicle,” it said.