Procedure for E-waste recycling authorization

Shreya Jain

Shreya Jain

Published on: Dec 6, 2025

Anamika Rathore

Updated on: Dec 6, 2025

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Introduction

With the growing threat of electronic waste to both environmental and human health, effective management of e-waste has become a legal and ethical imperative. To address this, the Government of India has implemented stringent regulations under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, and its subsequent amendment in 2022. These rules mandate that all e-waste manufacturer, producer, refurbisher or recycler shall obtain proper authorization to operate legally.

The process of securing an e-waste recycling authorization ensures that only qualified and compliant entities handle the collection, dismantling, and recycling of electronic waste. This article outlines the step-by-step procedure for obtaining such authorization, the verification process, and the validity period, helping Manufacturer, Producer, Refurbisher or Recycler understand and comply with the legal framework effectively.

Applicability Provisions

1. Section 6, 8 and 25 of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. Rule 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
3. Rule 9A of the E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024

Mandatory Requirement

• Manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, or recycler of electrical and electronic equipment to obtain prior e-waste recycling authorization from the competent authority.
• Filing Form 4 submitting all required documents and complying with verification and inspection processes are essential for legal operation and environmental compliance.
• The authorization remains valid for five years and shall be renewed before expiry.

Procedure

1. Filing of Application- The applicant whether a manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, or recycler, shall mandatorily file Form 4 through the online portal of the respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC). All essential information as prescribed under the Rules shall be duly completed.
2. Submission of Mandatory Documents- Upon successful submission of the application, the applicant shall upload all required documents, including:
   • Details of authorised signatory/personnel,
   • Consent to Operate (CTO) issued by the SPCB/PCC,
   • Details of the recycling/refurbishing facility,
   • Any other information as prescribed.
3. Review and Verification by District Environmental Engineer (DEE)- After receipt of the application and documents, the District Environmental Engineer (DEE) shall conduct a detailed review to verify, validate, and authenticate the information furnished. In case of discrepancies or deficiencies, the application will not proceed further.
4. Rectification by Applicant- If any errors, omissions, or inadequacies are found during review, the application shall be returned to the applicant for necessary rectification. The applicant is obligated to resubmit the corrected application and documents within the stipulated time frame.
5. Grant of Authorization- Following successful verification and compliance with all requirements, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shall issue the e-waste recycling authorization. This shall be done within 120 days from the date of receipt of the complete application.
6. Verification of Facility- Post-authorization, the CPCB shall carry out a physical inspection or video verification of the applicant’s facility to ensure conformity with environmental norms. This verification shall be completed within three (3) months from the date of granting authorization.

Validity of Authorization – The authorization granted under these Rules shall remain valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance as recorded in the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) portal. It is the responsibility of the authorized entity to apply for renewal prior to expiry to ensure uninterrupted legal operation.

Relaxation of timelines for filing of returns – The Central Government may, if it deems necessary in the public interest or for the effective implementation of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, by way of a formal order, grant relaxation in the prescribed timelines for submission of any return or report required under these Rules. Such relaxation may be extended to manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, or recyclers of electrical and electronic equipment, including components, consumables, parts, or spares thereof. However, the extended period for filing shall not exceed nine months beyond the originally stipulated deadline.