Delhi MCD Plans New Waste Collection Schedule: Wet and Dry Waste to Be Picked on Alternate Days

New Delhi: In a major step to improve city sanitation, the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) is planning to implement a new waste collection system across all wards, under which garbage will be collected on alternate days. Wet waste will be picked up on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, while dry waste will be collected on the remaining days.

The decision follows the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, which supersede the 2016 rules notified by the central government. These rules, effective from 1 April 2026, mandate segregation of waste into four streams: wet, dry, sanitary, and special-care waste, applicable across urban and rural areas of the city.

Ward-Wise Structured Approach

Officials said that while by-laws need to be notified, the new circular emphasizes adoption of key points from the 2026 rules. A meeting chaired by Corporation Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar on 7 February reviewed the plan with zonal deputy commissioners and other stakeholders to finalize the strategy.

A pilot project will be launched initially, allowing deputy commissioners to implement a ward-wise phased plan. Successful pilots will then be scaled citywide, ensuring 100% door-to-door collection and effective segregation.

Centralized and Decentralized Processing Facilities

The circular stresses sending segregated waste to both centralized and decentralized processing facilities, reducing pressure on existing dump sites. It also calls for identifying new locations for such facilities.

Nodal Officers for Each Ward

Each ward will have a nodal officer responsible for monitoring segregation, overseeing door-to-door collection, ensuring compliance by bulk waste generators, and facilitating zero-waste colonies and decentralized processing units. Officers will also engage with the informal sector and provide incentives.

All waste generators—including banquet halls, resorts, farmhouses, educational institutions, hotels, and motels—must be registered on the MCD ‘311’ app. Non-compliance will attract penalty notices, while adherence to rules may be rewarded with property tax incentives.

The new initiative is expected to streamline waste management, improve urban sanitation, and support Delhi’s zero-waste vision.