Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated a day-long conclave titled ‘Waste Recycling & Climate Change 2025,’ organised by the Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India (REIAI). The event emphasised the urgent need for a circular economy approach to drive sustainable growth and resource efficiency in India.
Addressing the inaugural session, the Union Minister highlighted that India generates approximately 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with plastic, electronic, and hazardous waste increasing at an alarming rate. He noted that the traditional linear economic model of ‘take, make, and dispose’ is no longer viable. With landfills under immense pressure and natural resources depleting rapidly, he stressed the necessity of shifting towards a circular economy. This transition, he stated, would not only help conserve resources but also foster industrial innovation, economic competitiveness, and job creation.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been actively transitioning from conventional waste management to harnessing the economic potential of recycling through the Waste to Wealth initiative. Yadav stated that the circular economy will play a pivotal role in the country’s future by focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste at every stage, from product design to end-of-life management. He emphasised that waste should be treated as a valuable resource rather than a burden, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in ensuring economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and social security.
Yadav projected that by 2050, India’s circular economy could have a market value of $2 trillion and create 10 million jobs, presenting a significant opportunity for startups and recycled product developers. He urged the recycling industry to adopt innovative technologies to reduce dependence on natural resources and minimise the need for imports of critical minerals essential for economic growth. According to him, aligning the circular economy with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat would significantly enhance the competitiveness of Indian industries in the global market.
The Minister also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts in formulating policies and regulations that promote recycling, including the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. This framework incentivises recyclers and integrates the informal sector into formal waste management systems. The government has introduced several market-based EPR regulations covering e-waste, end-of-life vehicles, plastic packaging, waste tyres, waste batteries, and used oil. Yadav explained that the revenue generated from the sale of EPR certificates provides an additional profit for registered recyclers apart from the income earned from selling recycled products.
For the widespread adoption of circular economy principles, the Minister outlined four key strategies. Firstly, he stressed the importance of redesigning products for circularity by shifting away from single-use models and integrating biodegradable, reusable, and modular components. Secondly, he advocated for investment in advanced recycling technologies to enhance waste recovery and improve waste management efficiency. Thirdly, he emphasised strengthening supply chain collaboration to optimise resource utilisation, create closed-loop production systems, and build markets for secondary raw materials. Lastly, he highlighted the need for consumer awareness and behavioural change, urging industries to actively engage consumers through awareness campaigns, incentives for recycling, and the promotion of sustainable consumption habits.
Dr Amandeep Garg, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Chairman of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), echoed these sentiments. He emphasised the vast potential within the waste recycling industry, noting its crucial role in reducing imports of essential raw materials for economic growth. He called upon corporate houses to lead the shift towards a circular economy by incorporating recyclable designs, promoting sustainability in dealership operations, and enhancing consumer awareness.
The conclave witnessed the participation of industry experts, policymakers, environmental scientists, and waste management professionals. Dr Ashok Kumar, President of the Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India, along with about 200 delegates, attended the event, engaging in discussions on the future of waste recycling and climate change. The event reinforced the urgent need for industry-wide adoption of circular economy principles to ensure sustainable development, economic prosperity, and environmental conservation.
