New EPR Guidelines To Be A Turning Point For India’s Waste Management, Recycling Sector: Experts

In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Environment introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging materials such as paper, glass, metal, and sanitary products, marking a game changer for the waste management and recycling sector. The regulations will kick off starting 1 April 2025. In addition, the rules are expected to strengthen the circular economy and possibly result in increased investments. There are currently several industry losses, but this would likely encourage even more members of the industry to join. 

The new EPR rules are a step in the right direction. For too long, waste management has been an afterthought, but with these regulations, sustainability becomes a shared responsibility. When producers take ownership of packaging waste, it not only drives accountability but also shifts mindsets—people begin to see the real value in sustainability. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating a system where recycled materials and eco-friendly packaging become the norm. Change takes time, but with policies like these, we are moving toward a future where sustainability is ingrained in how we produce, consume, and dispose," said Akash Keshav, Cofounder and CEO, Sprih.

For India's waste management sector, the latest EPR guidelines notification, which has been in the works for a while, is a turning point. In order to ensure that manufacturers, importers, and brand owners assume greater responsibility for the end-of-life management of their packaging materials, this policy will provide much-needed structure and enforcement. . The expansion of EPR to cover paper, glass, and metal—including aluminium and tin—will further strengthen the circular economy and create new opportunities for waste management.  At EcoEx, we have already forayed into multiple EPR categories beyond plastics, actively working with companies in the sanitation and aluminium/tin industries to facilitate compliance through our strong network of recyclers. With our expertise in EPR certificate management and blockchain traceability solutions, we are committed to enabling industries to seamlessly navigate this evolving regulatory ecosystem," said Nimit Aggarwal, Founder and Managing Director, EcoEx

The notification of the recent EPR guidelines is a critical moment for India’s recycling ecosystem. By reinforcing extended producer responsibility across new categories, this policy strengthens regulatory oversight and ensures that obligated entities actively contribute to sustainable waste management. The well-defined Environmental Compensation (EC) mechanism and structured EPR floor pricing will bring much-needed transparency and stability to the recycling market. The introduction of fixed EPR certificate pricing will enhance compliance efficiency, prevent price volatility, and incentivize responsible recycling practices. At Attero, we believe this structured approach will create a more predictable market for recyclers, enabling greater investment in e-waste recycling infrastructure," added Nitin Gupta, CEO and Co-founder of Attero.