India Recycling Market Analysis
The India Recycling Market size is estimated at USD 0.89 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.34 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.53% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- The Indian recycling market is driven by Urbanization and the demand for effective waste management services.
- India generates a staggering 62 million tons of waste annually, with over 75% left unprocessed. The waste spectrum encompasses organic matter, plastics, paper, glass, metals, and hazardous materials. A study by the Central Pollution Control Board highlights that plastics constitute nearly 12% of India's total waste output.
- Despite producing vast amounts of waste, India's recycling capacity falls short. Estimates suggest a mere 20-25% of the generated waste is recycled, predominantly by the informal sector. While the Central Pollution Control Board reports a 60% recycling rate for plastic waste, the overall recycling industry remains in its infancy, heavily reliant on informal players.
- Recognizing the challenges, India has embarked on ambitious waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Government programs, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), aim for nationwide cleanliness and efficient waste management. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is dedicated to bolstering urban waste management infrastructure. Furthermore, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework mandates manufacturers to oversee their products' lifecycle, right up to disposal. Consequently, the country is making significant strides in reducing waste generation.
India Recycling Market Trends
Plastic segment holds a commendable share in the market
India accounts for approximately 20% of the world's plastic emissions, totaling around 9.3 million metric tonnes annually. India's status as one of the globe's leading plastic polluters stems from multiple factors. Primarily, the nation's burgeoning and increasingly affluent population generates escalating amounts of waste. Yet, India grapples with the challenge of keeping its waste management services in sync.
In India, uncontrolled land disposal sites outnumber sanitary landfills by a staggering 10 to 1. The official waste generation rate stands at an estimated 0.122 kg per capita daily, but experts suggest this figure might be understated. Despite India's assertion of achieving a 95% national waste collection coverage, the study uncovered discrepancies. Official statistics appear to overlook rural regions, the open burning of uncollected waste, and recycling efforts by the informal sector.
In response to the plastic waste challenge, the Indian government has rolled out multiple initiatives aimed at curbing plastic waste and enhancing management practices. Measures taken by the Indian government encompass bans on specific plastic types and campaigns advocating for recycling. Yet, the challenge remains in the effective enforcement of these policies.
A pivotal move by the government is the introduction of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, designed to curtail single-use plastic consumption and champion alternative materials. Complementing this, the government has also championed the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a sweeping campaign initiated in 2014, focusing on elevating cleanliness and sanitation standards throughout India. Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan umbrella, the government has introduced multiple initiatives, including door-to-door collection, community bins, and dedicated plastic waste collection centers, all aimed at bolstering the collection and segregation of plastic waste. Consequently, the government is ramping up its initiatives to tackle the plastic waste produced in the country.
India Leads the World in Electronic Waste Generation, Reports UNCTAD
According to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India experienced a staggering 163% surge in electronic waste generation from screens, computers, and small IT and telecommunication equipment (SCSIT) between 2010 and 2022.
The '2024 Digital Economy Report: Shaping an Environmentally Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Future' highlights that India's share in global SCSIT waste generation jumped from 3.1% in 2010 to 6.4% in 2022. The report underscores the challenges posed by electronic waste, pointing out that a large chunk of waste stemming from digitalization is often processed in informal settings, especially in developing nations.
Data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reveals that in the fiscal year 2021-22, out of the 1,601,155 tonnes of e-waste generated, 527,131 tonnes (32.9%) were successfully recycled. The recycling rates for the preceding years were 26.33% in 2020-21, 22.07% in 2019-20, 21.35% in 2018-19, and a mere 9.79% in 2017-18. Additionally, the data highlights that Haryana led the way in e-waste management for 2021-22, collecting and processing a substantial 245,015.82 tonnes. Hence, government is making significant strides to address its e-waste challenges.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) estimates that e-waste generation in India would reach 5.2 million metric tons by 2025. In order to curb the e-waste generation in the country the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) introduced the 'Gandhian E-Waste Management System' project in 2021. This initiative aims to foster an environmentally sustainable India through effective e-waste management and heightened public awareness on responsible disposal. The project plans to establish e-waste collection, transfer, and storage infrastructure in ten major Indian cities. Furthermore, the government is conducting capacity-building activities, including training sessions, to promote awareness of proper e-waste disposal methods. Hence, there has been a substantial effort towrds
India Recycling Industry Overview
The India recycling market is fragmented in nature. The major players in the market include Attero Recycling, Bharuch Enviro Infrastructure Limited (BEIL), Ramky Enviro Engineers, NEPRA Resource Management, Gravita India etc.
Key players are increasingly signing contracts and agreements to broaden their regional presence and streamline operational costs. The market remains fiercely competitive, with players both competing and forming partnerships to capture a larger market share.
India Recycling Market Leaders
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Attero Recycling
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Bharuch Enviro Infrastructure Limited (BEIL)
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Ramky Enviro Engineers
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NEPRA Resource Management
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Gravita India
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
India Recycling Market News
- October 2024: Nupur Recyclers Ltd. (NRL) is set to broaden its horizons by venturing into aluminum extrusion manufacturing, spearheaded by its new subsidiary, Nupur Extrusion. With an eye on the surging demand for recycled materials in the solar energy and construction sectors, the company is poised to invest approximately USD 2.1 million to establish its new plant.
- September 2024: Gravita India Limited, a prominent global recycling company with a footprint in 12 countries, announced the acquisition of a rubber recycling plant in Romania. This strategic move is set to bolster Gravita's presence, expand its customer base, and fortify its competitive stance in the European market.
India Recycling Industry Segmentation
Recycling transforms waste materials into new products, often incorporating energy recovery from these materials. A material's recyclability hinges on its capacity to regain its original properties. This process serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional waste disposal methods, conserving materials and curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
The India Recycling Market is Segmented by Material Type (Plastics, Metals, Paper and Cardboard, Glass, Others), Source (Municipal (Residential and Commercial), Industrial, Medical Waste, Construction Waste, and Other Sources), Technology Used (Mechanical Recycling, Chemical Recycling, Biological Recycling, and Other Technologies). The Report Offers India Recycling Market Sizes and Forecasts in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.
By Material Type | Plastics |
Metals | |
Paper and Cardboard | |
Glass | |
Others | |
By Source | Municipal (Residential and Commercial) |
Industrial | |
Medical Waste | |
Construction Waste | |
Other Sources | |
By Technology Used | Mechanical Recycling |
Chemical Recycling | |
Biological Recycling, | |
Other Technologies |
India Recycling Market Research FAQs
How big is the India Recycling Market?
The India Recycling Market size is expected to reach USD 0.89 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 8.53% to reach USD 1.34 billion by 2030.
What is the current India Recycling Market size?
In 2025, the India Recycling Market size is expected to reach USD 0.89 billion.
Who are the key players in India Recycling Market?
Attero Recycling, Bharuch Enviro Infrastructure Limited (BEIL), Ramky Enviro Engineers, NEPRA Resource Management and Gravita India are the major companies operating in the India Recycling Market.
What years does this India Recycling Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the India Recycling Market size was estimated at USD 0.81 billion. The report covers the India Recycling Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the India Recycling Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
India Recycling Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 India Recycling market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. India Recycling analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.