In early 2025, several tyre pyrolysis units across Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana received show-cause notices because their operations were not aligned with the EPR Guidelines for Waste Tyres, 2022 issued under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
Some plants were operating at 25–50 TPD capacity but had not completed CPCB EPR registration. Others had Consent to Operate (CTO) but failed to upload recycling data on the portal within prescribed timelines.
Under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, such violations can attract:
In 2026, tyre recycling is no longer just a business opportunity — it is a tightly regulated environmental activity.
This guide explains the market potential, plant economics, EPR obligations, CPCB registration process, compliance timelines, and legal risks involved in setting up a Tyre Waste Recycling Plant in India.
India generates approximately 2.7–3.0 million metric tonnes (MT) of waste tyres annually, driven by:
Nearly 60%–65% of waste tyres historically moved into informal recycling channels. Post-EPR enforcement, this material is gradually shifting toward registered recyclers.
A typical 25 TPD pyrolysis plant produces:
For a 50 TPD plant:
However, revenue is now directly linked to EPR certificate generation, making compliance a profit determinant.
Tyre recycling is regulated under multiple environmental statutes.
Waste tyres are regulated under Schedule I of the HOWM Rules, 2016.
Before starting operations, the recycler must obtain:
Operating without authorization constitutes violation under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The EPR framework mandates that:
Failure by producers to meet targets may lead to environmental compensation assessment.
Recyclers must:
Non-reporting can lead to suspension of certificate generation.
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline | Applicable To | Risk if Ignored |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOWM Rules, 2016 | Authorization for tyre recycling | Before operation | Recyclers | Closure order |
| Water Act, 1974 | CTE before installation | Pre-construction | All plants | Project halt |
| Air Act, 1981 | CTO before operation | Before production | All plants | Sealing of plant |
| EPR Guidelines 2022 | Portal registration & reporting | Annual cycle | Producers & Recyclers | Portal suspension |
| EPA, 1986 (Sec 15) | Penal action for violations | On detection | All entities | Fine & imprisonment |
Interpretation:
A tyre recycling plant requires sequential compliance. Skipping one approval can delay the project by 4–6 months and increase cost by 8–12%.
SPCBs typically require:
Improper emission control is the primary reason for CTO rejection.
| Step | Authority | Timeline | Documents Required | Risk Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land & Zoning | Local Authority | 30–60 days | Industrial land proof | Location rejection |
| CTE | SPCB | 45–90 days | DPR, layout, emissions plan | Design deficiency |
| Authorization (HOWM) | SPCB | 60 days | Waste handling plan | Incomplete forms |
| EPR Portal Registration | CPCB | 30 working days | GST, PAN, Consent copies | Portal objection |
| CTO | SPCB | 30–60 days | Compliance verification | Emission non-compliance |
Interpretation:
Typical project approval cycle: 6–9 months if documentation is structured properly.
Delays in SPCB approvals increase financing cost significantly.
Failure in compliance may result in:
SPCBs are increasingly conducting surprise inspections for pyrolysis units.
A 50 TPD tyre pyrolysis unit in Western India:
Lesson: Environmental engineering must align with SPCB norms before construction.
The tyre recycling market in India is structurally strong with nearly 3 million MT annual waste generation.
However:
A properly planned tyre recycling plant can operate profitably for 15–20 years — but only if regulatory compliance is integrated from day one.
Green Permits assists with:
📞 +91 78350 06182
📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
