Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2025

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued amendments to the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 to come into effect on 1 April 2026.

The amendment introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for scrap of non-ferrous metals, defined to mean aluminium, copper, zinc or their alloys. 

The amendment covers manufacturers, producers, collection agents, refurbishers and recyclers of non-ferrous metals and introduces the following obligations on these stakeholders:

• Producers are required to ensure collection, transport, and recycling of scrap of non-ferrous metals. They must also meet a specified recycling target in respect of their products, including by purchasing EPR certificates from registered recyclers. The recycling target by weight starts at 10% in 2026–2027, rising to 75% by 2032–2033.
• Manufacturers are required to collect scrap of non-ferrous metals and waste generated during manufacturing and ensure its recycling or disposal. They must also use domestically recycled materials for the manufacture of new products as per specified minimum use rates.
• Collection agents are required to collect end of life scrap of non-ferrous metals from manufacturers, producers, bulk consumers and supply it to the registered recycler. 
• Refurbishers may collect scrap or used products of non-ferrous metals and their components, consumables, parts or scrap and ensure its refurbishing in an environmentally sound manner. Waste generated during refurbishing is to be handed over to a recycler or disposal facility.
• Recyclers are required to ensure environmentally sound storage, transportation, and recycling of scrap of non-ferrous metals and dispose of the residue generated during recycling in accordance with prevalent rules. 
• Bulk consumers are required to set up collection points to facilitate collection and hand over scrap to registered recyclers, refurbishers, producers or collection agents.

Other key highlights of the amendment include:

• Mandatory Registration: All stakeholders are required to register on a portal maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board. The portal would track EPR certificates and transactions, act as a repository for returns and reports, and be the platform for EPR certificate trading.
• Reporting: All stakeholders are required to maintain records as specified and file regular reports with respect to their EPR compliance. 
• Penalties: Non-compliance with the rules may result in revocation of registration, imposition of environmental compensation and / or legal action including imprisonment up to 5 years or fine up to EUR 1 000 or both (with additional fines if the contravention continues).  

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