Used tyre waste management in India operates under Schedule IX of the Hazardous and Other Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2022, with Extended Producer Responsibility obligations implemented through a centralized CPCB portal (eprtyres.cpcb.gov.in) launched to regulate the tyre waste ecosystem comprehensively. The EPR framework mandates that tyre producers, including manufacturers, importers, brand owners, automobile manufacturers importing tyres for new vehicles, and waste tyre importers, fulfill annual recycling targets based on their production or import volumes in the previous financial year. This system ensures scientific management of tyre waste, which contains valuable materials like steel, textile fibers, and rubber that can be recovered through proper recycling and retreading processes. The rules recognize both recycling and retreading as valid waste management options, generating corresponding EPR certificates through registered recyclers and retreaders.
The regulatory framework establishes clear definitions and obligations for different stakeholder categories within the tyre waste management ecosystem. Producers are defined as entities manufacturing and selling new tyres domestically, selling under their own brand tyres manufactured by others, importing new tyres, importing vehicles fitted with new tyres, automobile manufacturers importing tyres for domestic vehicle sales, and importers of waste tyres. Each category has specific EPR obligations calculated as percentages of their previous year’s production or import volumes. The rules mandate that tyre producers achieve 100% collection and processing targets for domestic manufacturers and 100% recycling targets for importers, ensuring comprehensive waste management coverage. Registered recyclers and retreaders must maintain detailed processing records and generate EPR certificates based on actual quantities processed through scientifically approved methods.
Registration procedures require comprehensive documentation submitted through the online EPR portal with specific requirements for producers, recyclers, and retreaders. Tyre producers must provide company registration documents including PAN, GST, and CIN certificates, manufacturing or import licenses, product specifications and sales data, authorized signatory details, and undertakings for EPR compliance. Recyclers require additional authorizations under Hazardous Waste Management Rules from concerned SPCBs, valid Consent to Operate certificates under Air and Water Acts, facility infrastructure details including processing capacity and technology descriptions, environmental compliance certificates, and proof of technical capability for tyre processing. The registration process involves online application, document verification, technical evaluation, facility inspection for recyclers, and grant of registration with specific validity periods and renewal requirements.
The EPR certificate generation mechanism operates through registered recyclers and retreaders who process waste tyres using approved technologies including mechanical shredding, pyrolysis, cement kiln co-processing, and retreading for life extension. Recyclers generate EPR certificates based on actual processing quantities, while retreaders generate retreading certificates for tyres whose useful life is extended through approved retreading processes. These certificates are traded through the online portal, allowing producers to purchase certificates equivalent to their EPR obligations. The system maintains transparency through detailed reporting requirements including quarterly processing data submission, annual compliance reports, and material recovery documentation. Special provisions address imports of waste tyres with 100% recycling obligations and requirements for proper documentation of transboundary movement.
Current implementation includes establishment of collection networks, development of recycling infrastructure, and integration with cement industries for co-processing applications. The rules emphasize material recovery and energy utilization from tyre waste, promoting technologies that maximize resource recovery while minimizing environmental impact. Recent developments focus on strengthening enforcement mechanisms, establishing standardized processing technologies, and developing quality standards for recycled products derived from tyre waste. The framework also addresses emerging challenges like electric vehicle tyre waste management and specialized tyre categories, ensuring comprehensive coverage as the automotive sector evolves toward sustainable mobility solutions.
Successfully navigating India’s tyre waste EPR regulations requires understanding of complex technical requirements, collection logistics, and processing technology compliance. Companies must develop comprehensive waste management strategies encompassing collection networks, recycler partnerships, compliance monitoring, and regulatory reporting to meet their extended producer responsibility obligations effectively. Our consultancy services provide specialized support for tyre waste EPR registration, compliance strategy development, recycler network establishment, technology assessment, and ongoing regulatory management to help businesses build sustainable tyre waste management systems while ensuring full compliance with India’s evolving regulatory framework.
