NEW DELHI, 20 April 2026: Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS (I/C) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Govt of India today emphasized that recycling is emerging as a major economic driver for startups and MSMEs, and is no longer confined to large business houses.
Addressing the RECEIC Global Symposium on ‘Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy: Co-creating Circular Future – Policy, Partnerships and Implementation Pathways,’ the Minister highlighted that circular economy presents a transformative opportunity across the value chain, from grassroots entrepreneurs to large industries.
“Recycling is not going to be the prerogative of big business houses alone. It will be a source of economy for all of us and a very strong avenue for startups and MSMEs,” added Dr Singh.
He underscored that the government has opened up virtually every sector, including space and nuclear, to private participation, and called upon industry to adopt a proactive mindset. “Government is a facilitator. The private sector must now step forward with confidence and innovation,” he added.
Highlighting the economic potential of waste, Dr. Singh noted that the government has generated over Rs 4,000 crore in the past five years through systematic disposal of scrap, including e-waste, under a cleanliness campaign launched in October 2021. “The results demonstrate that there is economic value in every form of waste,” he stated.
The Minister further stressed that waste should be viewed as a valuable resource rather than a liability, citing examples such as the use of plastic and steel slag in road construction and the conversion of used cooking oil into biofuels, showcasing how one waste stream can generate multiple economic opportunities.
Mr Neelesh Sah, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Govt of India highlighted the impact of India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. Introduced in 2016 and digitized in 2022–23, the framework has seen strong participation, with nearly 75,000 producers, importers and brand owners and around 5,000 recyclers registered across platforms.
He noted that the revised Solid Waste Management Rules, notified in January 2026 and effective from April 1, 2026, further embed circularity and digital monitoring into waste management systems. He also emphasized the growing role of eco-labelling and sustainable lifestyles, aligned with the Prime Minister’s LiFE initiative, in driving responsible consumption and production.
Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), highlighted the need to re-evaluate development pathways through the lens of sustainability and circularity. He noted that while circular practices were deeply rooted in traditional Indian systems, modern industrialization has often overlooked these approaches, leading to unsustainable outcomes.
Dr Kumar stressed the importance of the polluter pays principle and the need for stronger regulatory mechanisms to incentivize sustainable practices. He also highlighted the potential of transitioning from chemical-driven processes to biologically driven systems, aligning with India’s BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy. Further, he emphasized the need to develop a robust carbon credit trading ecosystem in India to economically incentivize low-carbon and circular practices while disincentivizing polluting industries.
Mr Manish Sharma, Chair, RECEIC Steering Committee, stated that the 60-member industry coalition is working through five thematic working groups—packaging, material transition, used oil circularity, textiles and apparel, and dry cell batteries—with pilot projects underway to drive on-ground implementation.
