Healthcare waste, also called biomedical waste, refers to waste generated during diagnosis, treatment, immunisation, research, testing of biological products, and other healthcare-related activities. Such waste may contain infectious materials, sharps, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pathological substances and other hazardous components. Improper management can cause injuries, infections, environmental pollution and occupational health risks. Therefore, India has developed a specific legal and regulatory framework for the safe handling, treatment and disposal of healthcare waste. The principal legislation governing healthcare waste in India is the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These Rules replaced the earlier Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 and introduced a more comprehensive system for segregation, collection, treatment, transportation and disposal of biomedical waste. The Rules apply to hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary institutions, animal houses, pathological laboratories, blood banks, research institutions, health camps, vaccination camps and other establishments that generate or handle biomedical waste. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 provides the broad legal foundation for environmental protection and pollution control in India. It empowers the Central Government to take measures for protecting and improving environmental quality and to prescribe standards for the handling and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 derive their legal authority from this Act. Healthcare establishments violating the requirements of the Rules may face regulatory and legal action under the environmental protection framework. A major feature of the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 is segregation at source. Biomedical waste must be separated from general waste at the point where it is generated. The Rules prescribe four colour-coded categories: yellow, red, white and blue. Yellow bags are used for anatomical waste, soiled waste, expired or discarded medicines, microbiological waste and certain chemical wastes. Red containers are used mainly for contaminated recyclable waste such as tubing, bottles, intravenous sets, catheters, gloves and syringes without needles. White, translucent puncture-proof containers are prescribed for sharps, including needles, blades and scalpels. Blue containers are used for glassware and metallic implants. Proper segregation reduces the quantity of hazardous waste requiring special treatment and prevents contamination of recyclable and general waste. The Rules place responsibility on the occupier of a healthcare