On August 14, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) introduced a pivotal draft notification for the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2024. This ground breaking Draft signifies a major advancement in India’s approach to managing non-ferrous metal waste.
Key Features of the Draft Amendment
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The Amendment introduces Extended Producer Responsibility for non-ferrous metal scrap. This mandates producers to manage their products throughout their lifecycle, including post-consumer disposal. The EPR framework promotes proactive collection and recycling of scrap, advancing a circular economy and reducing waste.
- Mandatory Registration: All entities involved in the production, recycling, and disposal of non-ferrous metals must now register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This measure ensures that only compliant entities operate, elevating industry environmental standards.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: The Amendment imposes strict penalties for non-compliance, including environmental compensation and potential license revocation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmental accountability.
- Recycled Content Requirement: Starting from the financial year 2028 (FY28), all new products made from non-ferrous metals will be required to contain a minimum of 5% recycled content, aiming to further reduce industrial waste.
Implications of the Draft Amendment
Non-ferrous metals like aluminium, copper, and zinc are essential to various industries, including construction and electronics. However, their extraction is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. The 2024 Amendment seeks to mitigate these issues by incentivizing recycling, thus reducing the need for raw material extraction and conserving natural resources.
The Draft also presents economic benefits by generating employment, fostering innovation in recycling technologies, and contributing to India’s economic growth. Debadityo Sinha of the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy views the Amendment as a positive step towards conserving natural resources and managing raw material demand effectively.
Moving Forward
As the April 2025 implementation date approaches, industries must align with the new regulations by meeting recycling targets and adopting sustainable practices. The CPCB will play a crucial role in overseeing this transition, guiding industries towards compliance and supporting a sustainable future.
For further details, please read the full draft here.
Climeto is India’s leading EPR consultancy provider, assisting over 400+ organizations in complying with various EPRs as laid down and notified by the government. If you need expert guidance on meeting these new NFM EPR requirements, our team at Climeto is here to help.
Disclaimer: Above content does not constitute any legal advice and is only provided for educational purpose.
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