What Are Recycling Targets Under India's Waste Management Rules?

India is taking important steps to improve waste management, promote recycling, and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. To achieve these goals, the government has introduced waste management rules that require businesses to manage waste responsibly and meet specific recycling or waste utilisation targets.

These targets are especially important for manufacturers, producers, importers, brand owners, and recycling businesses. Depending on the type of waste, companies may need to collect waste, ensure proper recycling, use recycled materials, or fulfil their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations.

In this article, we explain what recycling targets are under India's waste management rules, which businesses must follow them, and how companies can maintain compliance.

What Are Recycling Targets Under India's Waste Management Rules?

Recycling targets are specific quantities or percentages of waste that businesses must ensure are recycled, recovered, or utilised within a prescribed period. The applicable target depends on the category of waste, the business's role, and the relevant regulations.

India has separate regulatory frameworks for different waste categories, including:

• Plastic waste and plastic packaging

• Electronic waste (e-waste)

• Battery waste

• Waste tyres

• Used oil

• Construction and demolition (C&D) waste

• End-of-life vehicles

These frameworks include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) provisions and other waste management requirements. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) play important roles in implementing and monitoring these requirements. Official government overview

What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility is a regulatory approach that makes producers responsible for managing the waste generated by products they introduce into the market, according to the applicable rules.

Under relevant EPR frameworks, producers, importers, and brand owners may need to meet recycling obligations, use recycled materials, maintain records, and submit compliance returns.

Why Is EPR Important?

EPR helps to:

• Encourage the collection and recycling of waste.

• Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

• Promote the responsible use of recycled materials.

• Improve transparency in waste management.

• Support authorised recycling businesses.

• Encourage the development of a circular economy.

What Is an EPR Certificate?

An EPR Certificate is a compliance-related certificate generated through the applicable regulatory system for eligible recycling or waste processing activities. Under relevant frameworks, registered recyclers generate certificates, which obligated producers can purchase or use to fulfil their EPR obligations, subject to the applicable rules.

The process differs by waste category. Businesses should check the relevant CPCB portal and current regulations before applying or claiming compliance.

What Are the Recycling Targets for Different Types of Waste in India?

India's recycling targets are not the same for every waste category. Each regulatory framework establishes its own requirements, timelines, and calculation methods.

1. Plastic Waste Recycling Targets

Plastic Waste Management Rules and their amendments establish EPR requirements for applicable producers, importers, and brand owners involved in plastic packaging.

Depending on the packaging category and applicable provisions, businesses may have obligations relating to recycling, reuse, recycled content, or end-of-life disposal.

Businesses should review the applicable EPR schedules to understand their annual obligations instead of assuming that one recycling percentage applies to all plastic packaging.

2. E-Waste Recycling Targets

Electronic waste includes discarded electrical and electronic equipment, such as computers, laptops, mobile phones, and other covered electronic products.

Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, as amended, eligible producers must fulfil recycling obligations according to the prescribed schedules.

The applicable target depends on factors such as the product category, the quantity placed on the market, and the relevant compliance year.

For example, the government-backed NITI Aayog report on e-waste and lithium-ion batteries describes a 70% recycling target for specified electrical and electronic equipment obligations for FY 2025–26 and FY 2026–27, increasing to 80% for FY 2027–28 and FY 2028–29 onwards under the framework it summarises. The exact obligation must be checked against the applicable rules and product category.

Producers generally fulfil covered e-waste obligations through eligible EPR certificates obtained from registered recyclers via the prescribed portal.

3. Battery Waste Recycling Targets

Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, as amended, cover different types of batteries regardless of their chemistry, shape, volume, weight, or intended use.

Producers, including applicable manufacturers and importers, must meet the prescribed EPR obligations for batteries introduced into the market.

The targets and compliance requirements depend on the applicable battery category and regulatory schedule. Businesses may also need to maintain records and submit returns through the designated portal.

4. Waste Tyre Recycling Targets

Waste tyre management rules establish EPR obligations for relevant tyre producers and other covered stakeholders.

Applicable producers must fulfil prescribed recycling obligations, which may be calculated according to tyre manufacturing, imports, or other criteria specified in the rules.

The framework provides for the use of EPR certificates or retreading certificates from authorised recyclers or retreaders, as applicable.

Tyre producers should monitor their annual obligations and ensure that certificates are obtained through the prescribed system.

5. Used Oil Recycling Targets

Used oil can arise from vehicles, machinery, industrial operations, and other activities. Improper disposal can harm soil and water and create environmental risks.

The EPR framework for used oil establishes responsibilities for covered producers and recyclers. Applicable businesses must follow the relevant recycling and compliance requirements, including prescribed targets and reporting obligations.

The exact requirements depend on the business category and the rules in force.

6. Construction and Demolition Waste Targets

Construction and demolition activities generate waste such as concrete, bricks, metals, and other construction materials.

The Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025, establish a framework for managing this waste and meeting applicable waste utilisation targets.

Covered producers and other stakeholders may have registration, reporting, processing, or utilisation obligations. Under the relevant framework, processed waste must be sourced from registered recyclers where prescribed, and utilisation must be recorded through the designated system.

Who Must Follow Recycling Targets in India?

The exact scope depends on the relevant waste management rules, but the following businesses may have compliance responsibilities.

Producers and Manufacturers

Businesses manufacturing covered products may need to meet recycling obligations, register with the relevant authority, and maintain compliance records.

Importers

Businesses importing covered products or materials may have EPR responsibilities under the applicable regulations.

Brand Owners

Companies selling covered products under their own brands may need to fulfil prescribed waste management obligations, even when another business manufactures the products.

Recycling and Refurbishing Businesses

Eligible recycling and refurbishing businesses may need to obtain registration, follow approved processing procedures, maintain records, and generate certificates where the applicable framework permits them to do so.

Businesses Involved in Construction and Infrastructure

Covered construction-related businesses may have responsibilities for registering, processing, sourcing, or utilising construction and demolition waste in accordance with the relevant rules.

How Can Businesses Calculate Their Recycling Obligations?

Businesses should not use a single recycling percentage for every type of waste. Instead, they should identify the relevant framework and calculate their obligations according to its prescribed methodology.

Step 1: Identify the Waste Category

Determine whether the business deals with plastic packaging, e-waste, batteries, tyres, used oil, construction waste, or another regulated category.

Step 2: Check the Applicable Rules

Review the current rules, amendments, schedules, and official guidance relevant to the business.

Step 3: Review the Business's Regulatory Role

Establish whether the company is a producer, importer, brand owner, recycler, refurbisher, or another regulated stakeholder.

Step 4: Calculate the Applicable Target

Use the prescribed calculation method, relevant sales or production data, product lifespan where applicable, and the relevant compliance year.

Step 5: Register and Maintain Records

Complete the applicable registration process and maintain supporting documents, including relevant production, sales, collection, recycling, and processing records.

Step 6: Submit Returns and Complete Compliance

Submit the required returns, verify certificate transactions where applicable, and retain evidence that the obligations have been fulfilled.

What Happens If a Business Fails to Meet Recycling Targets?

Failure to comply with applicable waste management rules can expose businesses to regulatory action.

Depending on the relevant framework and the nature of the violation, consequences may include:

• Environmental compensation or financial liabilities.

• Directions from the relevant pollution control authority.

• Compliance notices and corrective requirements.

• Registration-related consequences where permitted by law.

• Additional scrutiny of records and compliance submissions.

The consequences are not identical across all waste categories. Businesses should consult the specific rules and applicable enforcement provisions before assessing their legal exposure.

How Can Registrationwala Help with EPR Compliance?

Understanding waste management rules, calculating recycling obligations, and completing registration requirements can be challenging for businesses that are unfamiliar with the regulatory process.

Registrationwala provides business registration and regulatory compliance assistance to companies in India. Businesses exploring EPR-related requirements can contact Registrationwala for guidance on the applicable registration process, documentation, and compliance steps.

Its support can help businesses understand which requirements may apply to their operations and what information they should prepare before proceeding.

Before engaging a service provider, businesses should verify the applicable regulatory requirements and ensure that any required application is submitted to the appropriate government authority.

Visit Registrationwala to explore its services or contact the team for assistance with your compliance-related queries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are recycling targets under India's waste management rules?

Recycling targets are prescribed quantities or percentages of waste that covered businesses must ensure are recycled, recovered, or utilised within a specified period. The requirements vary by waste category and applicable regulations.

2. Is an EPR Certificate mandatory for every business?

No. An EPR Certificate is not universally mandatory for every business. Its relevance depends on the applicable waste management framework, the business's regulatory role, and the method prescribed for fulfilling its obligations.

3. Who sets recycling targets in India?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change establishes the relevant regulatory frameworks, while the CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards or Pollution Control Committees perform functions assigned to them under the applicable rules.

4. Are recycling targets the same for plastic waste and e-waste?

No. Plastic waste and e-waste are governed by different regulatory requirements, schedules, and calculation methods. Businesses must check the rules applicable to their particular waste category.

5. Can businesses fulfil EPR obligations through registered recyclers?

Under relevant EPR frameworks, obligated businesses can fulfil certain obligations through certificates obtained from registered recyclers. The permitted process, certificate type, and eligibility conditions depend on the applicable rules.

6. How can a business check its applicable recycling target?

A business should identify its waste category and regulatory role, review the current rules and schedules, and check the relevant official CPCB portal or consult a qualified compliance professional.

Conclusion

Recycling targets under India's waste management rules encourage businesses to manage waste responsibly and support a more sustainable economy. However, the applicable targets differ across plastic waste, e-waste, batteries, tyres, used oil, and construction and demolition waste.

Businesses should identify their regulatory obligations, complete the required registrations, maintain accurate records, and meet applicable recycling or utilisation targets within the prescribed timelines.

If your business needs assistance understanding EPR-related requirements or other business compliance procedures, Registrationwala can help you explore the relevant services and next steps.