Rubble Recast: Navigating The Road to Efficient C&D Waste Recycling

September 25, 2024

The Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2016, establish a regulatory framework for the effective management of C&D waste in India. According to these rules, cities with populations exceeding one million are required to set up C&D waste processing facilities to efficiently manage the waste generated by construction and demolition activities. Currently, India has over 30 operational C&D recycling plants, with more than 35 additional facilities planned in the coming years. However, there is a notable gap in the market's understanding of the financial mechanisms, challenges, processes, and economic viability of establishing and running these facilities.

This report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by providing essential insights and know-how for municipalities, policymakers, plant operators and other stakeholders involved in C&D waste management. Through a comparative study of 16 recycling plants across India, supplemented by interviews with key stakeholders, this report comprehensively examines the financial feasibility, challenges, and processes involved in C&D recycling. It also explores potential policy interventions necessary to establish a robust and sustainable C&D recycling ecosystem. The report offers valuable insights into how these facilities can operate effectively, even with limited government support.