India Takes Strides Towards Circular Economy: Joins Global Initiatives for Resource Efficiency

New Delhi:  The Annual Report of the Central Pollution Control Board for the year 2021-22 has revealed significant statistics on solid waste management in India. According to the report, the country generates an average quantity of 1,70,338 tonnes per day (TPD) of solid waste, out of which 91,512 TPD undergoes treatment. In a bid to address this issue, India has implemented market-based Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, particularly focusing on plastic packaging waste, battery waste, e-waste, waste tyres, and used oil.

The EPR regulations set targets for the minimum level of reuse, recycling/refurbishment, and the use of recycled content, promoting a circular economy. The regulations aim to create a sustainable and responsible approach to waste management by holding producers accountable for the entire life cycle of their products.

Notably, the Government of India has joined the Global Alliance for Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE), a collaborative initiative that seeks to bring together government and non-government entities to advocate for a global and just transition to a circular economy. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to adopting practices that promote sustainable resource management and reduce environmental impact.

Furthermore, India has secured a position on the Steering Committee of the International Resource Panel (IRP). The IRP is dedicated to providing independent, coherent, and authoritative scientific assessments with policy relevance on the sustainable use of natural resources. This membership underscores India’s commitment to being at the forefront of global efforts towards resource efficiency and sustainability.

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, shared this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The government’s proactive participation in global initiatives reflects a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by increasing solid waste generation and to transition towards a more resource-efficient and sustainable future.