MRAI demands ‘nodal authority’ to strengthen recycling industry in India

At the Paryavaran Niti Manthan held in New Delhi, the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) urged the government to establish a centralised nodal authority or a dedicated ministry for recycling and the circular economy. The body also cited persistent structural challenges in policy implementation. The event was organised by MRAI in collaboration with NITI Aayog.

MRAI President Sanjay Mehta highlighted that frequent administrative reshuffles across ministries disrupt continuity, resulting in inconsistent interpretation of rules, delays in execution, and a gap between policy intent and outcomes.

To address these concerns, Mehta proposed a unified institutional framework that would ensure stable leadership, faster decision-making, improved coordination among ministries and streamlined compliance processes to help the recycling industry. Currently, the recycling sector is governed by multiple ministries and regulators, leading to fragmented oversight and inefficiencies.

MRAI, which represents over 1,800 members and more than 25,000 small and medium enterprises employing around 25 lakh people, noted that India already has a progressive policy framework for recycling. However, the primary challenge lies in effective and consistent implementation on the ground.

The association also emphasised the complex nature of the recycling ecosystem, marked by fragmented supply chains, the coexistence of formal and informal sectors, fluctuating material flows, and global trade linkages. These factors, it said, require specialised institutional understanding.

On policy mechanisms, MRAI supported Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) but cautioned against a uniform approach. It recommended material-specific EPR frameworks, particularly for high-value segments like non-ferrous metals, where overregulation could disrupt efficient systems.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched a new EPR portal aimed at onboarding nearly 50 lakh stakeholders in solid waste management. Officials noted progress in digital transparency but acknowledged ongoing challenges in integrating informal players, strengthening verification systems, and expanding recycling infrastructure.