Unveiling the Status and Challenges of Bio-Medical Waste From Households in Indian Mountain Towns: A Case Study of Municipal Corporation of Shimla and Solan

India’s solid waste management grapples with rapid urbanisation and a surge in population, leading to over 62 million tons of waste annually, projected to reach 165 million tons by 2030. The paper spotlights challenges in household biomedical waste management, especially sanitary waste, citing legislative gaps, implementation issues, and inadequate public awareness. It advocates for specific guidelines, addressing gaps in existing regulations. The study identifies hurdles in legislation, enforcement, public awareness, and infrastructure, proposing a comprehensive approach for effective bio-medical waste management in municipal areas generated from households. The solid waste management landscape in India faces significant challenges attributed to rapid urbanisation and population growth, resulting in an annual output of over 62 million tons of waste, a figure projected to escalate to 165 million tons by 2030. This paper delves into the specific challenges surrounding household biomedical waste management, including sanitary waste, highlighting legislative gaps, implementation issues, and insufficient public awareness. It emphasises the need for tailored guidelines to address these gaps within existing regulations. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study identifies obstacles spanning legislation, enforcement, using of terminology, public awareness, and infrastructure. It advocates for a holistic approach to effectively manage biomedical waste generated from households in municipal areas, stressing the importance of addressing these challenges to safeguard public health and the environment. By proposing targeted interventions and advocating for improved governance frameworks, the paper aims to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for biomedical waste management in mountain regions of India.