India strengthens legal framework for circular economy and waste management

The government is strengthening its legal framework to support a circular economy through clear policies and regulatory reforms, according to Bhupender Yadav, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister. These regulations introduce sector-specific rules covering nine waste streams, including plastic waste, e-waste, and battery waste. The mechanism requires producers, importers, and brand owners to manage products at the end of their lifecycle under the Extended Producer Responsibility framework.

The new regulations are designed to promote waste prevention, recycling, reuse, and resource recovery across the product lifecycle. The framework requires producers to ensure environmentally sound management of products, supporting India's transition toward a circular economy.