Regulatory Updates: India’s construction industry, while being a key economic engine, is also one of the largest generators of solid waste—producing an estimated 150–500 million tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste annually (CPCB). In response, the Government of India introduced the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2024, which came into effect on 1st April 2025, marking a significant regulatory shift toward sustainability, accountability, and digital governance in the construction sector.
What’s New in the 2024 Rules?
- Wider Stakeholder Accountability – Producers, contractors, service providers, and local authorities now have clearly defined responsibilities.
- Digital Traceability – A national online portal will enable registration, tracking, and transparent reporting of C&D waste.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – Large waste generators must ensure collection, transportation, and processing of their waste through authorized recyclers.
- Mandatory Use of Recycled Products – The rules encourage utilization of C&D waste-based products compliant with IS 15883:2021 and IS 4130 in public construction.
- Clear National Targets – Aimed at achieving 100% collection and channelization of C&D waste into formal recycling streams.
India’s rapidly growing urbanization—requiring 700–900 million sq. metres of new built-up space every year until 2030—underscores the urgency of managing C&D waste sustainably. The updated 2024 Rules build on the foundation of the 2016 framework but introduce pivotal advancements such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a centralized digital tracking portal, and mandated utilization of recycled materials in construction, aligned with Indian Standards.
To effectively manage the surging volume of construction and demolition waste, policymakers must institutionalize robust regulations that clearly define roles, responsibilities, and measurable targets for all stakeholders, including contractors, municipalities, and developers. Encouraging public-private partnerships can help establish well-equipped recycling facilities and support the development of circular business models. For businesses in the construction ecosystem, integrating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) into operational strategies and investing in material recovery technologies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint.
The 2024 Rules demonstrate strong alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. On the environmental front, the mandated recycling and reuse of C&D materials reduce reliance on virgin resources and help lower carbon emissions associated with construction activities. Socially, the formalization of recycling processes opens new livelihood opportunities, especially for informal waste workers, while promoting safer and healthier working conditions. From a governance perspective, the implementation of a national digital tracking system introduces transparency, accountability, and traceability—enabling better data collection, ESG disclosures, and compliance monitoring.
The construction sector must evolve from being a waste generator to a circular economy enabler. The 2024 Rules offer a framework to shift from linear to circular practices, enabling waste-to-resource transitions, environmental protection, and long-term resilience.
Reference:
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India (2024). Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2024. Published in the Gazette of India.