The Centre’s New Roadmap to Reduce Industrial Waste
The Centre has recently introduced a detailed roadmap aimed at reducing industrial waste, particularly focusing on non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, and zinc. The new regulations mandate that all new products made from these metals must contain a minimum of 5% recycled content starting from the financial year 2028. This requirement will gradually increase to 10% by FY29, with specific targets set for each metal – 10% for aluminium, 20% for copper, and 25% for zinc by FY31.
The initiative is designed to lessen the country’s reliance on primary resources and address the environmental impacts associated with mining activities. By incorporating recycled content into new products, the government aims to promote sustainability and reduce the overall environmental footprint of the non-ferrous metal industry.
Impact of the New Regulations
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released a notification on August 20, announcing the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2024, which will come into effect on April 1, 2025. These rules not only require non-ferrous metal producers to incorporate a specified percentage of recycled content but also introduce an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework to ensure the environmentally sound management of scrap metals.
The new regulations are expected to have a significant impact on the environment by reducing waste generation in the non-ferrous metal industry and promoting the recycling of scrap metals. Additionally, the rules are likely to create new opportunities for the recycling sector and generate employment in this field.
Expert Opinion and Industry Insights
Debadityo Sinha, lead for climate and ecosystems at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, expressed optimism about the new regulations, stating that they represent a positive step towards conserving natural resources in the long term. Aluminium, valued for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, is commonly used in transportation, packaging, and construction. Copper, known for its excellent conductivity, finds applications in electrical wiring, plumbing, and various industrial uses. Zinc, used for protective coatings and in alloys like brass, plays a crucial role in preventing corrosion.
The Evolution of Hazardous Waste Management Rules
The Hazardous Waste Management Rules, initially enacted in 1989 and subsequently updated in 2000, 2003, 2008, and 2016, govern the safe handling, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. These rules assign responsibilities to different authorities, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), state governments, and pollution control boards, with a focus on ensuring comprehensive management and disposal of hazardous waste.
The proposed amended rules also introduce a system of extended producer responsibility certificates, which can be traded among producers, and provide for the imposition of environmental compensation on producers who fail to meet their recycling targets. The certificates will be generated by registered recyclers and can be purchased by producers to fulfill their recycling obligations.
Government Oversight and Implementation
To oversee the implementation of the EPR framework and provide guidance to producers and recyclers, the government has established a steering committee. Chaired by the Chairman of the Central Pollution Control Board, the committee includes representatives from various ministries, industry associations, and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach aims to ensure effective enforcement of the new regulations and promote sustainable practices within the non-ferrous metal industry.
In conclusion, the Centre’s new roadmap to reduce industrial waste through increased recycling of non-ferrous metals represents a significant step towards environmental sustainability and resource conservation. By setting clear targets and introducing an EPR framework, the government is paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible approach to metal production and waste management.