What does the Environmental Protection Act 1990 cover?

• A. Regulates disposal of waste from domestic and industrial establishments and also recommends segregation of waste into clinical and non-clinical waste.
• B. Regulates disposal of hazardous materials only.
• C. Sets penalties for littering.
• D. Regulates wastewater discharge standards.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is understanding what the Environmental Protection Act 1990 regulates in terms of waste. This Act provides the framework for how waste is managed from the point of production to disposal, covering waste from both households and businesses. A key practical point is promoting the separation of waste streams to make treatment safer and more efficient, which is why distinguishing clinical waste from non-clinical waste is highlighted. This separation helps ensure infectious or hazardous waste receives the appropriate handling and disposal route, while general waste follows a different path.

The other statements don’t capture the broad waste-management scope of the Act. It isn’t limited to hazardous materials alone, and penalties for littering or specific wastewater discharge standards are addressed by other pieces of legislation or regulations focusing on those separate issues.