In a critical step towards strengthening biomedical waste management across India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released comprehensive guidelines for the establishment and operation of Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facilities (CBWTFs). Issued on April 12, 2025, these guidelines are now mandatory under the Bio-medical Waste Management (BMWM) Rules, 2016.
What is a CBWTF?
A CBWTF is a centralized facility where biomedical waste from multiple healthcare facilities is collected, transported, treated, and safely disposed of. These setups are crucial for minimizing the risk of environmental contamination and ensuring public health safety.
The BMWM Rules, 2016 discourage health care facilities (HCFs) from setting up individual on-site treatment systems if a CBWTF exists within a 75 km radius. This not only reduces high capital investment and operational overhead for individual facilities but also decreases regulatory pressure on pollution control agencies.
Key Highlights of the Guidelines:
- Mandatory Compliance: The new CPCB guidelines are now legally binding for all existing and upcoming CBWTFs.
- Uniform Standards: These aim to ensure standardization in site selection, facility design, waste transportation, and treatment protocols.
- National Coverage: As of the 2023 annual report, 234 CBWTFs are operational across India, and 30 are under construction.
- Environmental Responsibility: Operators must ensure that biomedical waste is handled without adverse effects on human health or the environment.
- Technology and Infrastructure: Emphasis is placed on selecting suitable technologies, developing robust infrastructure, and building efficient logistics systems for waste collection and transport.
- Government Support: The rules mandate that State or UT administrations provide suitable land for setting up CBWTFs, easing logistical and regulatory hurdles.
