Will new recycling mandate reduce construction waste in India?

India’s environment ministry has introduced Extended Producer Responsibility, mandatory recycling targets and other provisions to promote recycling and sustainable waste management in the construction and demolition sector.

Under the newly notified Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025, local or development authorities are now required to include waste recycling provisions in approvals for all construction projects. The rules mandate that EPR targets in construction, reconstruction and demolition projects be regulated through a waste management plan.

“Every producer shall prepare a waste management plan in respect of each project which shall assess the quantum of waste from all streams in a construction, reconstruction and demolition project and submit it to the local authority for approval,” it said.

The rules define the responsibilities of waste generators (or producers), requiring them to collect and segregate waste into separate material streams, store it safely, and ensure recycling or proper handover to authorised agencies or recyclers. They must also take necessary measures to prevent air pollution, avoid littering, and minimise public nuisance during waste collection, segregation and storage.

“The revised rules mark an important shift by placing more responsibility on waste generators and encouraging private sector participation,” said Sree Kumar Kumaraswamy, Program Director, Clean Air Action, WRI India. “This creates opportunities for new business models in C&D...

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