On July 1, 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a Gazette Notification (G.S.R. 438(E)) introducing Extended Producer Responsibility for non-ferrous metal scrap under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. This is a major development for the metal recycling industry in India.
The rules apply to scrap and products made from aluminium, copper, zinc and their alloys. Ferrous scrap (iron and steel) is not covered under this EPR framework but remains regulated under the Hazardous Waste Rules 2016 for storage and transport.
The rules cover producers, manufacturers, recyclers, refurbishers, collection agents and bulk consumers handling non-ferrous metal scrap or products made from these metals. Bulk consumers are defined as entities that use at least 1,000 tonnes of non-ferrous metal products annually — they must set up collection points and hand over scrap only to registered entities.
Targets are phased in gradually:
Producers can meet targets either by recycling themselves or by purchasing EPR certificates from CPCB-registered recyclers through the centralised portal.
Recyclers must register on the CPCB centralised portal (to be set up within six months of implementation), recycle scrap in an environmentally sound manner, maintain transaction records and file returns. In return, they receive EPR certificates that they can sell to producers needing to meet compliance targets.
Refurbishers working with non-ferrous metal products must register with CPCB. Registered refurbishers receive separate refurbishing certificates. Certificates have a validity of two years from the end of the financial year of issue.
CPCB and state governments will conduct regular audits and inspections. Half-yearly and annual returns are mandatory for all stakeholders.
Official resource: CPCB Website
Want to trade waste responsibly?
Join The Scrap Bridge to connect with verified recyclers and get proper recycling certificates on every deal.
Register Free