The Supreme Court has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to issue a notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, delegating its powers to District Collectors across the country for one year to ensure strict implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. The court's order, issued on May 5, aims to secure uniform implementation of the framework, which came into effect on April 1, 2026.

The Bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and S. V. N. Bhatti also directed District Collectors to constitute a special cell to assist in supervising and implementing the rules, and empowered them to order disconnection of water and electricity supply to bulk generators of solid waste found to be in violation of the rules.

The court issued the directions while hearing an appeal filed by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation against an order of the National Green Tribunal. State governments were directed to ensure timely grants to urban and rural local bodies that comply with the rules, while imposing penalties on defaulting authorities.

The court will hear the matter next on May 25 to examine compliance with its directions, and has directed the Centre to address budgetary and manpower constraints identified as major impediments to implementation.