The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has taken a major step toward advancing India’s circular economy and sustainable waste management.
It has facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government of Telangana and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, as well as agreements between CSIR and leading recyclers.
Enhancing Skills for Waste Management
The MoU between the Government of Telangana and CSIR focuses on developing a skilled workforce for the recycling and waste management sectors.
CSIR’s laboratories and institutions will provide technical expertise for training programs in Telangana.
The programs aim to equip individuals with knowledge of CSIR-developed waste management technologies, fostering the adoption of circular economy principles and creating green employment opportunities.
Collaborations for Cutting-Edge Recycling Technologies
MoEFCC also facilitated agreements between eight CSIR national laboratories and recycling companies to promote 15 innovative waste management and recycling technologies.
The participating CSIR labs include CSIR-NIIST, CSIR-IICT, CSIR-NML, CSIR-IMMT, CSIR-CEERI, CSIR-IIP, and CSIR-CECRI.
These technologies will:
- Establish state-of-the-art recycling infrastructure.
- Support domestic waste recycling efforts.
- Secure critical mineral supplies through advanced recycling processes.
The agreements also encourage recyclers to adopt new technologies and offer technical support to enhance their operations.
Aligning with Mission Circular Economy
The initiatives align with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call for Mission Circular Economy, highlighted during his 75th Independence Day address.
The MoEFCC has played a critical role in implementing policies such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, which incentivizes recyclers and integrates the informal sector into formal recycling systems.
The government collaborates with recyclers, refurbishers, and start-ups to establish recycling units under the EPR framework.
The efforts aim to minimize waste disposal, recover valuable materials, and reduce dependence on virgin resources.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Development
As reported by pib.gov.in, CSIR’s collaborations underscore its commitment to driving India’s transition to a circular economy. By fostering innovation and partnerships, these efforts promise sustainable development and a cleaner, greener future.
