Chennai: To strengthen waste management and improve segregation at source, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has made online registration mandatory for all bulk waste generators. They have been directed to complete the process within 15 days or face penalties under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.The move targets establishments that generate more than 100 kg of waste daily, including apartment complexes, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, IT parks, and commercial establishments. Buildings with a built-up area of more than 20,000sqm and establishments consuming more than 40,000 litres of water a day also qualify as bulk waste generators.Of the city’s 3,203 identified bulk waste generators, only 1,944 have registered so far. Establishments must register on both the GCC and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portals, failing which they could be fined between ₹5,000 and ₹25,000. GCC collected ₹5.95 lakh in penalties from 120 bulk waste generators last month.The enforcement drive comes amid repeated concerns that several bulk waste generators have been dumping mixed waste into GCC roadside bins instead of processing it on their premises or handing it over to GCC via authorised collectors. This led to overflowing roadside bins and increased pressure on landfills.Bulk generators produce around 600 tonnes of waste every day. They must provide colour-coded bins at their own cost, segregate waste at source, process wet waste on their premises, and hand over dry and sanitary waste to GCC. They are also required to maintain records of waste generation, processing, transportation, and disposal, and submit quarterly reports through the GCC and CPCB portals.Last Sept, the National Green Tribunal (southern zone) pulled up GCC over weak enforcement. The bench said GCC and TNPCB have filed incomplete submissions over bulk waste collection and enforcement in the city.Mahmood Sait, CEO of Urbaser, a private company engaged by GCC for solid waste management and garbage collection, said, “Waste collection from bulk waste generators was not carried out professionally earlier, and much of it ended up in roadside bins. GCC streamlined the system a couple of months ago. We have our own equipment to professionally collect it. Only strict enforcement is needed,” he said.
