EPR Policies In India: 2025 Edition
The excessive growth in e-waste production has raised concerns worldwide. According to data, India has generated approximately 1.751 million metric tonnes (MT) of e-waste between 2023 and 2024. However, only 22.7% of electronic waste is processed, leaving a large chunk of e-waste untreated. To cope with the situation and e-waste management, the Indian government is tirelessly implementing EPR policies and regulations.
The EPR policies are made to combat health risks, environmental pollution, and promote the circular economy. The EPR regulations require importers and producers to recycle their e-waste sustainably. Here, let’s learn more about the latest EPR policy in India in 2025, along with other major EPR rules of India that have helped in e-waste management.
What Is EPR?
The full form of EPR is Extended Producer Responsibility. The EPR policy applies to producers, importers, and brand owners for managing their e-waste responsibly. They must follow a sustainable approach to get rid of discarded electronics and minimize dumping untreated e-waste in landfills. The basic EPR policy (E-Waste Management Act of 2016) suggests the following-
- Manufacturers must design their products in a way that minimizes waste and promotes recyclability.
- The producer is responsible for waste generation and its management.
- E-waste recovered metals and sources must be reused, recycled, and repurposed sustainably.
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regulates EPR policies and instructs e-waste management steps, which include the collection of e-waste, recycling, storage, disassembly, and refurbishment.
The Latest EPR Policy In India
The most recent EPR policy is about End-of-Life Vehicles. According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has released the Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025. It targets the management of end-of-life vehicles with EPR compliance. The producers of vehicles must scrap end-of-life vehicles within the period specified (annually).
As of now, the end-of-life vehicles rule is applicable to all types of transport and non-transport vehicles in the domestic market. However, agricultural vehicles like tractors, trailers, harvesters, and power tillers are exempted from end-of-life vehicle scrapping.
As per the latest EPR regulations, producers must scrap end-of-life transport vehicles that are more than 15 years old and non-transport vehicles more than 20 years old from 2025-2026.
There are authorized Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) for scraping end-of-life vehicles where discarded transport vehicles will be dismantled, treated, and de-polluted. After the treatment, the facility sends segregated materials to the registered recyclers or refurbishers for recycling.
In case of non-recyclable or non-refurbishable materials that can’t be used, they are sent to the Common Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility. This facility is authorised under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. In short, EPR policy 2025 covers the complete process of EOL vehicle e-waste management.
Important EPR Policies In India Till 2025
As of now, India has rolled out several important EPR policies to combat e-waste pollution and responsible recycling of e-waste disposals. Some of the major EPR Policies in India are Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (PWMR), the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, Tyre Waste Management Rules, 2022, and the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2023 (EWMR).
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most important ones, minus the jargon:
Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWMR)
These rules aren’t just about banning plastic straws. They’re focused on making producers think twice before wrapping everything in plastic. Under PWMR, companies must take back the plastic they use, yes, that includes all those shiny wrappers, and ensure it’s properly recycled or reused.
E-Waste Management Rules (EWMR)
Old electronics, think phones, laptops, chargers, don’t belong in your drawer or the garbage. EWMR ensures that manufacturers and importers take ownership of their product waste. That means setting up systems to collect, recycle, and safely dispose of e-waste instead of letting it pollute the environment.
Battery Waste Management Rules
Batteries may look small, but they pack a toxic punch. These rules require companies that make or sell batteries to set up proper collection points and ensure used batteries are disposed of or recycled in an eco-safe way. No more tossing them in your regular trash bin!
Tyre Waste Management Rules
Used tyres lying around aren’t just ugly, they’re dangerous. These rules demand that tyre producers and importers build a system to collect worn-out tyres and send them to authorized recyclers. It’s all about giving old rubber a second life, instead of letting it pile up in landfills or burn in open fields.
How GreenTek Reman Stays EPR-Compliant
At GreenTek Reman, we take our role in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) seriously. In the context of e-waste, EPR means producers don’t just sell a product; they’re responsible for what happens after you’re done using it. This includes:
- Collecting old electronics (aka WEEE—Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
- Partnering with certified recyclers and dismantlers.
- Ensuring safe handling, transportation, and disposal.
- Collaborating with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).
- Running collection centers across cities.
Basically, we make sure no laptop, printer, or battery gets left behind.
Why EPR Matters (And Why You Should Care)
E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. In India alone, millions of tons of electronic junk are dumped every year, and most of it ends up in landfills or is handled unsafely, affecting both the environment and human health.
Extended Producer Responsibility flips the script. It puts the onus on manufacturers to not just sell products, but also design them to be easier to recycle and take them back at end-of-life. This:
- Keeps e-waste out of landfills.
- Reduces illegal dumping and exports.
- Encourages companies to design better, greener tech.
- Supports the circular economy by reusing materials.
However, the system isn’t exactly plug-and-play. Navigating EPR rules can be tricky, especially for large companies or importers. That’s where experienced partners like GreenTek Reman come in; we help you stay compliant, eco-friendly, and stress-free.
Final Thought
Managing e-waste isn’t just a regulatory checkbox; it’s a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a manufacturer, a tech brand, or a business with old gadgets gathering dust, it’s time to act.
Join hands with GreenTek Reman to embrace responsible recycling, meet your EPR goals, and build a cleaner, greener India.
