The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced on 22 October 2026 that the government is using regulatory reforms and digital systems to promote a circular economy. Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav stated that sector-specific rules for nine waste streams have been introduced, with nearly 499.60 lakh metric tonnes of waste processed to date. The Minister called for better coordination between producers, recyclers, and urban local bodies to improve waste segregation and the recovery of critical minerals. The release does not say when these specific calls for coordination take effect.
Key points
- Nearly 499.60 lakh metric tonnes of waste processed across regulated streams
- Over 86,043 producers and 4,880 recyclers registered under EPR frameworks
- Rules established for 9 waste streams including plastic, e-waste, and battery waste
- Call for four-stream segregation: wet, dry, sanitary, and special-care waste
- Emphasis on recovering critical minerals from batteries and e-waste
When it applies
- Circular Economy Conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Who it affects
- producers, importers and brand owners