Waste Management Crisis — Current Affairs 2026
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India's E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 Come into Effect, Aiming for Higher EPR Targets
April 2023The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which superseded the 2016 rules, became fully effective from April 1, 2023. These new rules introduce a credit-based system for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where producers can purchase EPR certificates from registered recyclers. They also expand the list of covered electronic goods and set ambitious collection targets, aiming for 60% of the quantity of e-waste generated by 2023-24, increasing to 80% by 2027-28. This regulatory update signifies India's commitment to formalizing e-waste recycling and addressing the environmental and health hazards posed by the informal sector. From a UPSC perspective, this is a crucial development demonstrating policy evolution and the government's push towards a circular economy in the electronics sector.
UPSC Angle: Prelims: Key provisions of E-Waste Rules 2022, EPR credit system. Mains: Analysis of effectiveness, challenges in implementation, comparison with 2016 rules, and impact on formal vs informal sector.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 Focuses on 'Garbage Free Cities' and Legacy Landfill Remediation
October 2021 (launched), ongoing implementation 2024-2026Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, launched in October 2021, continues to be a cornerstone of India's waste management strategy. Its primary objectives include achieving 'Garbage Free Cities' through 100% source segregation, door-to-door collection, and scientific management of all waste fractions, including plastic, C&D, and hazardous waste. A significant focus is on the remediation of legacy landfills, which are massive dumpsites accumulated over decades, posing severe environmental and health risks. The mission emphasizes circularity in waste management and leveraging technology. This ongoing initiative, with its ambitious targets, reflects the government's sustained effort to tackle the waste crisis comprehensively. Vyyuha's analysis reveals that examiners consistently focus on the implementation successes and failures of flagship government programs.
UPSC Angle: Prelims: Objectives and targets of SBM-U 2.0, key components like legacy landfill remediation. Mains: Critical assessment of SBM's impact on waste management, challenges in achieving 'Garbage Free Cities,' role of ULBs, and integration with other urban missions.
G20 Discussions on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency in India's Presidency
2023 (ongoing impact)During India's G20 Presidency in 2023, a significant emphasis was placed on promoting a circular economy and resource efficiency, particularly in the context of waste management. The G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) deliberated on key priorities such as circular economy for critical materials, extended producer responsibility, and sustainable consumption and production. These discussions highlight India's growing role in global environmental governance and its commitment to integrating circular economy principles into its national policies. The outcomes and recommendations from these international forums often influence domestic policy directions and funding, making them relevant for understanding future trends in India's waste management sector.
UPSC Angle: Prelims: G20's role in environmental governance, key themes of India's presidency. Mains: Significance of circular economy in international forums, how global commitments influence national waste management strategies, and India's leadership in sustainable practices.