Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025

The Indian government has announced the Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025. These new rules seek to tighten regulations and promote sustainable practices in the handling of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. These rules were published on April 4, 2025 and will come into effect from April 1, 2026. These rules establish a framework for managing C&D waste across the country. They supersede the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016. The rules apply to all activities related to construction, demolition, remodeling, renovation, and repair of structures. However, they exempt certain categories of waste from their application such as waste covered under the Atomic Energy Act, defense projects, waste from natural disasters or acts of war, and waste covered by other sector-specific rules. The new rules make producers responsible for the environmentally sound disposal and management of C&D waste and meeting of EPR targets specified in the First Schedule. Producers can meet EPR targets through purchasing EPR certificates from registered recyclers. An online portal will be established for the registration and monitoring of producers, intermediate waste storage facilities, recyclers, and collection points. Entities operating without registration will be prohibited, and those providing false information face penalties, including registration revocation and environmental compensation charges. Waste management plans are required for all construction projects, assessing waste quantum and promoting recycling. Specific materials like cement concrete, bricks, and tiles are included in EPR target assessments, while reusable materials like iron and wood are excluded.