Salem Corporation will begin enforcing mandatory four-way segregation of solid waste from September 1. Residents and commercial establishments in 20 model wards will be required to hand over waste separately to civic body workers. The corporation has issued notices to 4,856 commercial establishments across its four zones and is conducting awareness campaigns in schools, residential areas, and through door-to-door outreach to encourage segregation.

Under the initiative, waste must be separated into four categories: wet, dry, sanitary, and special waste. Wet waste, including kitchen and food waste, leaves, and flowers, can be converted into compost. Dry waste such as paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, tins, and newspapers will be sent for recycling. Sanitary waste, including used masks, is also covered under the new rules.