PrintFriendlyUnder the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a global advocate for sustainability through innovative policies and programs. The circular economy model, rooted in the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R), is pivotal in achieving resource efficiency, carbon neutrality, and environmental sustainability. The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, held in Jaipur, marks a significant milestone in India’s leadership in circular economy initiatives and sustainable waste management.
Circular Economy & Principles
A Circular Economy is an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources. It contrasts with the traditional linear economy (take, make, dispose) by keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible. The circular economy focuses on reducing waste, reusing materials, repairing and refurbishing products, and recycling resources to create a closed-loop system that promotes sustainability. The circular economy is built on three key principles: designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. By focusing on waste prevention at the design stage, businesses can create products and processes that minimize environmental impact from the outset. Extending the lifespan of products through repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing ensures that materials remain in circulation for as long as possible, reducing the need for virgin resources. Additionally, the circular economy promotes the use of biodegradable materials and ecosystem restoration by returning essential nutrients to the environment, fostering a regenerative approach to sustainability.
India’s Role in the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum
The forum serves as a key platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to drive sustainable solutions for waste management and resource efficiency. Hosted by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, the event was attended by dignitaries from various countries, reinforcing India’s commitment to the global sustainability agenda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his special message to the forum, emphasized India’s ‘Pro Planet People’ (P-3) approach, highlighting the nation’s dedication to fostering global knowledge-sharing and collaboration in circular economy practices.
Key Announcements:
Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3): This is a global initiative announced by India’s Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs to promote collaboration between cities worldwide on circular economy practices. The coalition will help cities share knowledge, best practices, and innovative strategies for sustainable urban development. Additionally, it will encourage partnerships with the private sector to drive large-scale implementation of circular economy principles, making urban areas more sustainable and resource-efficient.
CITIIS 2.0 Initiative: The City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain (CITIIS) 2.0 program is a significant step in improving urban infrastructure through climate-focused and waste management projects. With agreements worth ₹1,800 crores, this initiative will support 18 cities across 14 states in implementing sustainable urban development strategies. By integrating waste management and climate action into urban planning, CITIIS 2.0 will serve as a model for other cities to follow, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations: India has reaffirmed its dedication to reducing plastic pollution by actively participating in global negotiations for a legally binding plastics treaty. This initiative aims to establish international guidelines to control plastic waste, encourage recycling, and promote sustainable alternatives. By engaging in these discussions, India seeks to contribute to global efforts in tackling plastic pollution and transitioning toward a circular economy.
India Pavilion & 3R Trade Exhibition: The India Pavilion at the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Trade Exhibition showcased the country’s innovative solutions in sustainable waste management. With participation from over 40 businesses and start-ups, the exhibition highlighted successful waste-to-wealth initiatives, green entrepreneurship, and community-led recycling programs. This platform provided an opportunity for businesses to demonstrate new technologies, exchange ideas, and attract investment in sustainable waste management and circular economy practices.
India’s Landmark Circular Economy Initiatives
- Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U)
The Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) has been a game-changer in India’s urban sanitation and waste management landscape, emphasizing the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) principles. As of February 2025, the mission has exceeded expectations, achieving 108.62% of its household toilet construction target, with 6.37 million toilets built against the planned 5.89 million. This has significantly improved access to sanitation, reducing open defecation and promoting hygiene in urban areas.
Additionally, 80.29% of solid waste generated in urban India is now processed sustainably, marking a significant leap toward a circular economy. Through initiatives like source segregation, composting, waste-to-energy projects, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste, SBM-U has transformed waste management into an opportunity for economic and environmental sustainability. The program has also fostered community participation, strengthened municipal capacities, and encouraged public-private partnerships, making urban sanitation more efficient and resilient.
With a continued focus on zero waste cities, scientific landfill management, and circular economy integration, SBM-U is not just a sanitation initiative but a movement driving India towards cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments.
- GOBAR-Dhan Scheme
The GOBAR-Dhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources-Dhan) Scheme is a key initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) that promotes a circular economy by converting organic waste into valuable resources like biogas, bio-CNG, and organic fertilizers. This initiative not only enhances waste-to-wealth solutions but also supports rural livelihoods, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy generation.
As of February 2025, the scheme has been successfully implemented in 67.8% of districts across India, with over 1,008 operational biogas plants playing a crucial role in managing cattle dung, agricultural residue, and organic waste. These plants reduce methane emissions, improve sanitation in rural areas, and provide an alternative to chemical fertilizers, benefiting farmers with cost-effective organic manure.
Additionally, the GOBAR-Dhan Scheme aligns with India’s climate action goals by reducing dependency on fossil fuels, promoting decentralized energy solutions, and fostering rural entrepreneurship through biogas-based enterprises. With increasing government support, technological advancements, and community participation, the initiative is set to accelerate India’s journey toward sustainable waste management, rural economic growth, and environmental conservation.
- E-Waste Management Rules (2022)
With the rapid expansion of the electronics industry, managing electronic waste (e-waste) has become a critical challenge. India has made significant strides in adopting circular economy principles to ensure efficient e-waste collection, recycling, and resource recovery. By focusing on responsible disposal, refurbishment, and material extraction, the country is moving towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to electronic waste management.
In FY 2024-25, India collected 5,82,769 metric tons (MT) of e-waste and successfully recycled 5,18,240 MT, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainable waste management. However, compared to FY 2023-24, where 7,98,493 MT of e-waste was collected and 7,68,406 MT was recycled, there has been a decline in e-waste processing volumes, highlighting the need for greater awareness, infrastructure expansion, and policy interventions.
The government’s push for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the promotion of formal recycling units have played a key role in reducing landfill pollution, recovering precious metals like gold, silver, and copper, and preventing hazardous substances from contaminating the environment. Moving forward, India aims to strengthen its reverse logistics systems, encourage innovations in e-waste recycling technology, and enhance public-private partnerships to establish a more robust and efficient circular economy framework for electronic waste.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastics
India has taken proactive measures to tackle plastic pollution by enforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, which mandate industries to manage the plastic waste they generate. Under this framework, manufacturers, importers, and brand owners are accountable for collecting and recycling plastic waste, thereby promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental damage.
A historic milestone in this journey was achieved on July 1, 2022, when India imposed a nationwide ban on single-use plastics. This step significantly curtailed the production and consumption of items like plastic cutlery, straws, plates, and polythene bags, which were among the major contributors to plastic waste. As a result, there has been a notable reduction in plastic pollution, especially in urban centers and water bodies.
Additionally, India is actively promoting waste-to-value innovations, encouraging biodegradable alternatives, and strengthening plastic waste management infrastructure through recycling hubs, material recovery facilities, and awareness campaigns. With continued efforts, India aims to build a sustainable, plastic-free future, aligning with its broader vision of environmental conservation and resource efficiency.
India’s Leadership in Circular Economy at the Global Level
India’s commitment to a circular economy aligns with global sustainability goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. Through proactive policies and innovative strategies, the country is fostering sustainable production and consumption, accelerating progress towards carbon neutrality, and ensuring the responsible utilization of resources.
The adoption of circular economy principles directly contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). By promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable industrial practices, India is addressing key environmental challenges while driving economic growth. Additionally, through its ambitious carbon neutrality targets, India is integrating circular economy strategies to achieve its 2070 net-zero emissions goal, ensuring a long-term transition towards a low-carbon and resilient economy.
India’s leadership in international collaborations further reinforces its commitment to global sustainability. The country plays a crucial role in negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty, advocating for a legally binding framework to combat plastic pollution. Additionally, its active participation in regional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) initiatives highlights India’s influence in shaping sustainability policies and fostering cross-border cooperation in waste management and resource efficiency. Through these concerted efforts, India is emerging as a global leader in the circular economy, setting an example for other nations to follow.
How Circular Economy Strengthens the Vision of Viksit Bharat
Viksit Bharat envisions India as a developed nation by 2047, built on the pillars of economic resilience, sustainability, and innovation. The circular economy plays a transformative role in achieving this vision by ensuring efficient resource utilization, environmental conservation, and industrial progress.
Enhancing Economic Growth: A circular economy reduces reliance on raw materials by maximizing resource efficiency, leading to cost savings for industries and boosting economic stability. By encouraging reuse, recycling, and sustainable production, businesses can reduce waste and improve profitability, contributing to long-term economic resilience.
Creating Green Jobs: Circular economy initiatives, such as waste management, recycling, and sustainable product development, create millions of employment opportunities in emerging green sectors. From e-waste recycling to composting and sustainable packaging, these initiatives empower local communities and drive inclusive economic growth.
Promoting Energy Security: By harnessing waste-to-energy solutions, India can significantly enhance its renewable energy capacity. Programs like GOBAR-Dhan are transforming organic waste into biogas and bio-fertilizers, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to clean energy generation, thereby strengthening energy security.
Strengthening Environmental Sustainability: Shifting from a linear to a circular economy helps in reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and mitigating climate change impacts. Sustainable waste management practices, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies and single-use plastic bans, ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
Encouraging Technological Innovation: The circular economy fosters technological advancements in recycling, material recovery, and sustainable manufacturing. India’s investment in advanced recycling technologies positions the country as a global leader in green innovations, driving sustainable industrial growth and reinforcing its commitment to Viksit Bharat 2047.
India’s leadership in the circular economy is a testament to its commitment to sustainability and inclusive development. Through landmark policies, global collaborations, and innovative initiatives, India is not only addressing its own waste management challenges but also setting a precedent for the world. The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur reinforces India’s proactive stance in promoting resource efficiency, climate resilience, and economic sustainability. As the nation moves towards Viksit Bharat, integrating circular economy principles will play a defining role in building a resilient, prosperous, and environmentally sustainable future for generations to come.
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