The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has taken steps towards better waste management practices by notifying amendments to the “Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2022.” These amendments, introduced to address the management and utilization of waste tyres, mark a crucial move in sustainable waste management in India.
One of the key aspects of these amendments is the provision for the utilization and management of waste tyres.
In conjunction with these changes, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has introduced an interim arrangement for the generation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) End Product credits, also known as certificates, by recyclers. These credits will then be transferred to producers through a dedicated portal, aiding them in fulfilling their EPR obligations.
To participate in this interim arrangement, recyclers are required to maintain meticulous records, including procurement of raw materials, sales of end products, and EPR certificate transactions in an Excel sheet format. The aim is to create a transparent and efficient system for tracking waste tyre management and recycling.
It is essential to note that while the CPCB is facilitating this interim arrangement for meeting EPR obligations, producers and recyclers bear sole responsibility for ensuring compliance and preventing malpractices or violations.
The portal for managing waste tyres and generating EPR End Product credits can be accessed via the following URL: Portal for Waste Tyre.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change had previously notified the “E-Wastes (Management) Rules, 2022” via its notification No. G.S.R 801(E) dated November 02, 2022. Under these rules, recyclers are also required to generate EPR certificates through the EPR Portal.
For E-waste recyclers utilizing the interim arrangement, separate registration on the interim arrangement portal is mandatory. The link to access the interim arrangement for EPR End Product credits is available on the home page of the E-waste Management Portal: E-waste Management Portal.
These developments mark significant progress in India’s commitment to responsible waste management and environmental sustainability, placing greater emphasis on the proper handling and utilization of waste tyres and E-wastes.