Question

Consider the following waste categories: (i) Domestic Hazardous Waste
(ii) Nuclear Waste
(iii) Sludge from wet scrubbers of hazardous waste treatment processes
(iv) Chromium bearing residue and sludge from leather tanneries
Which one of the options correctly represents the waste categories NOT covered under Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 of Government of India?

• A. (i) and (ii) only
• B. (i) and (iii) only
• C. (ii) and (iv) only
• D. (i), (ii) and (iii) only

Hint:

Always remember: - Domestic waste → Solid Waste Management Rules.
- Nuclear waste → Atomic Energy Act.
- Industrial hazardous residues → Hazardous Waste Rules.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the scope of the 2016 Rules.
The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 cover the generation, handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes from industries and processes. Examples: chemical process residues, metal sludge, leather tanning residues, and other industrial hazardous wastes.
Step 2: Check each category.
(i) Domestic Hazardous Waste → This is not covered under Hazardous Waste Rules, 2016. Instead, it comes under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. (ii) Nuclear Waste → This is not covered under Hazardous Waste Rules, 2016. It is regulated separately under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). (iii) Sludge from wet scrubbers of hazardous waste treatment processes → This is covered, since it is a by-product of hazardous waste treatment. (iv) Chromium bearing residue and sludge from leather tanneries → This is covered, since such chemical residues are considered hazardous.
Step 3: Conclude.
Therefore, (i) Domestic Hazardous Waste and (ii) Nuclear Waste are the ones not covered under Hazardous Waste Rules, 2016. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) (i) and (ii) only}} \]