April 1, 2026 marks the start of the Construction & Demolition Waste (2025), replacing the 2016 regulations. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has updated the framework to streamline segregation, collection, storage, transportation, recycling, treatment, and scientific disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. These rules aim to incentivize recycling and curb illegal dumping.
Under the new rules, bulk generators – entities undertaking construction projects with a built-up area of 20,000 square metres or more – are now mandated to recycle and reuse construction and demolition waste. This obligation falls within the framework of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and waste utilisation.
Core Definitions & Scope
- Construction & Demolition Waste (C&D) Waste includes debris from new constructions, renovations, demolition of structures – such as bricks, concrete, metal, wood, glass, plastic, tiles and more.
- Applicability spans all built-structure activities- residential, commercial, highways, airport projects- except nuclear, defense, military, disaster/military debris, or specific interstate transit waste.
- Producers of such waste- including developers, contractors, service providers, local/urban development bodies—must comply under these rules.
- Recycling Targets: The rules stipulate mandatory use of recycled materials in construction activities. Beginning 2026–27, a minimum of 5% of construction materials must be sourced from recycled waste, with this requirement gradually increasing to 25% by 2030–31.
Key Provisions & Obligations
- Duty of Producers
- Responsible for scientific disposal of their Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste.
- Shall meet “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)” targets under Schedule I(Extended producer responsibility targets for recycling of waste).
- Shall register on the centralised online portal before commencement and receive a certificate within 15 days.
- Maintain records of the quantity and disposal method (storage, recycling, transfer to recyclers or storage yards).
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- Compliance tracked via the portal, ensuring transparency.
- Producers shall channel waste through registered recyclers or authorized facilities only.
- Certificates are issued for recycled waste amounts and valid for up to 3 years from the date of issue.
- Quantities are calculated via formula (EPR = Qty. treated × conversion factor × process factor).
- Recycling & Processing
- Only debris- such as concrete, bricks, stones- qualifies under EPR, materials like metal, wood, plastic, or glass follow standard solid-waste norms.
- Waste generators shall source segregated debris for reuse or recycling from approved channels.
- Recyclers must maintain infrastructure, track quantities, and file bi-annual & annual reports by April 15 and October 15, respectively.
- Certifications undergo audits, violations trigger penalties and environment compensation.
- Role of Stakeholders
- Contractors/Service Providers/Authorities: Help producers comply, maintain infrastructure, and follow operational standards (e.g. IS 4130 for demolition safety).
- Urban Local Bodies/Development Authorities: Monitor compliance, establish collection yards, recycling plants, storage facilities, supervise reuse in construction.
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Launch and maintain the portal within six (6) months of notification, register stakeholders, monitor compliance, issue certificates, share revenue, publish annual data & audit violations.
- State Pollution Control Boards: Oversee local registration, compliance enforcement, data collection, infrastructure setup within a year of the rules’ notification.
- Other Ministries & Departments: Integrate these rules into building permits, clearance processes, and standards, drive awareness and promote e-marketing of recycled aggregates.
C&D Waste Management Rules: 2016 vs 2025
| Point of Difference | Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 | Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | All construction/demolition waste generators | Applies to all activities of construction, demolition, remodelling, renovation, and repair |
| Exemptions | No detailed exemptions | Explicit exemptions for: nuclear waste, defense projects, war/disaster debris, and waste covered by other region-specific laws |
| Waste Generator Responsibility | Segregation into 4 streams, storage, plan submission, pay charges | Additional responsibility under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR); mandatory compliance with minimum recycled material use |
| New Concept Introduced | De-construction | Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Online Portal, Mid-way Waste Storage Facilities |
| Online Monitoring | Not present | Centralized online portal for registration, data reporting, tracking Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets |
| Registration Requirement | Not specified | Mandatory registration for producers, recyclers, mid-storage operators on portal |
| Waste Utilization Target | General obligations | Specific use targets for projects ≥ 20,000 sqare.meter and road projects via Schedule II and III |
Impact & Outlook
These revamped rules represent a significant step toward circular economy goals in India. Mandating EPR and tracking waste flows through a portal ensures accountability across the value chain – from construction firms to recyclers and regulators. Emphasis on certified infrastructure, audits, and enforcement points to a robust compliance regime.
With a structured timeline- portal, certification, monitoring and infrastructure to be set up within six (6) months to a year- and clear roles defined for Central and State agencies, the framework has the potential to drastically reduce dumping, promote reuse in roads and infrastructure, and build a sustainable construction ecosystem.
In Summary:
The Environment (Recycling and Deconstruction) Waste Management Rules, 2025 call for comprehensive, monitored, and responsible management of C&D waste. Through producer responsibility, digital registration, recycling infrastructure, and regulation, these rules aim to transform how India handles construction debris, reduce environmental harm, and promote resource efficiency.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content of this article is not intended to create and receipt of it does not constitute any relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.
