India’s Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change inaugurated a national conclave on “Waste Recycling & Climate Change 2025,” organized by the Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India (REIAI). This conclave was held on February 18, 2025.
The Minister emphasized the urgent need to transition to a circular economy, highlighting its potential for economic growth and job creation.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister stated that India generates approximately 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with plastic, electronic, and hazardous waste increasing rapidly. He stressed that the traditional linear “take, make, and dispose” model is unsustainable, citing pressure on landfills, resource depletion, and environmental damage.
“The circular economy is not just an alternative; it is essential. It marks a fundamental shift in how we produce, consume, and manage materials”
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change
The Minister projected a $2 trillion market value for India’s circular economy by 2050, with the potential to create 10 million jobs. He encouraged startups and recycled product developers to seize this opportunity, while emphasizing the importance of aligning this growth with environmental sustainability. “Nobody recycles like Nature,” he noted, urging the recycling industry to develop innovative technologies to reduce reliance on natural resources and imports of critical minerals. He added that circular economy principles are crucial for “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” enhancing the competitiveness of Indian industries.
The Minister outlined the government’s role in formulating policies and regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks for e-waste, end-of-life vehicles, plastic packaging, waste tyres, waste batteries, and used oil. He explained that revenue from EPR certificates provides recyclers with additional profit. However, he stressed that industry-wide adoption of circular approaches is critical.
He highlighted four key strategies for businesses:
Redesigning Products for Circularity: Moving beyond single-use models and designing for recyclability, incorporating biodegradable, reusable, and modular components.
Investment in Advanced Recycling Technologies: Adopting new technologies to transform waste management and improve recovery rates.
Strengthening Supply Chain Collaboration: Collaboration across the value chain to optimize resource use, create closed-loop systems, and build markets for secondary raw materials.
Consumer Awareness and Behavioral Change: Engaging consumers through campaigns, incentivizing recycling, and promoting sustainable consumption.
The Additional Secretary of the Ministry and Chairman of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) emphasized the “huge gap and huge potential” in waste recycling, highlighting its importance in reducing imports of critical products. He urged corporate houses to lead the transition to a circular economy.
The conclave brought together around 200 delegates, including environmental scientists, waste management professionals, policymakers, and industry experts. The President of the REIAI also participated in the event.
You may also be interested in:
Right to Repair Framework for Mobile and Electronics Sectors Launched
India Strengthens E-Waste Management with Revised Rules and Online Portal
New Guidelines for E-Waste Processing Capacity Determination For Recyclers
