How to Start an E-Waste Recycling Plant in India – Licensing, SOPs, and Compliance

Introduction – Why E-Waste Recycling Is India’s Next Green Business

In 2024, India generated over 1.7 million tonnes of e-waste, making it one of the top three global producers. Yet less than 25% was processed by authorized recyclers.
Take the example of a small electronics manufacturer in Noida who faced delays in CPCB approval simply because the plant video wasn’t geo-tagged properly — a simple compliance slip that stalled their operation for two months.

If you’re planning to set up an e-waste recycling plant, understanding the CPCB registration, SPCB licensing, and operational SOPs is your biggest success factor.
This guide translates government circulars and CPCB Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) into clear business steps so you can launch confidently.

Understanding the Regulatory Framework

E-waste recycling in India is governed by the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
These rules replaced the 2016 version and came into effect on 1 April 2023. They aim to:

• Promote environmentally sound management (ESM) of e-waste.
• Strengthen circular-economy principles through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
• Regulate four key entities — manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers.

Step 1 – Know Where You Fit In the EPR Ecosystem

Under Rule 4(1), four entities must register on the CPCB’s online portal https://eprewastecpcb.in

1. Manufacturers – those producing EEE equipment.
2. Producers – brand owners or importers placing EEE on the market.
3. Refurbishers – extending product life through repair or upgrades.
4. Recyclers – recovering precious and non-ferrous metals from waste EEE.

If you are setting up a recycling facility, your category is Recycler and you will register under that section only.

Step 2 – Pre-Registration Requirements

Before applying on the portal, prepare these essentials:

Requirement	Issuing Authority	Why It Matters
CTE (Consent to Establish)	State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)/PCC	Must be approved before construction starts.
CTO (Consent to Operate)	SPCB/PCC	Validates operational safety and emission control.
Hazardous Waste Authorization	SPCB/PCC	Required for handling circuit boards, lead, mercury etc.
GST & PAN registration	CBDT / GST portal	Confirms business identity on CPCB portal.
Geo-coordinates of plant	Self with GPS proof	Must match CTE/CTO address.
Geo-tagged video & images	Self upload	Mandatory for CPCB review.

Step 3 – Apply Online on CPCB Portal

All recycler registrations are done exclusively through eprewastecpcb.in.
CPCB will not accept physical applications.

Documents to Upload

• CTE and CTO under Water & Air Acts
• Hazardous Waste Authorization
• GST certificate and PAN card
• Incorporation certificate (optional)
• Geo-tagged photos and plant video
• Self-declaration on authentic data and fire/health safety

Step 4 – Pay the Applicable Registration Fee

As per CPCB’s Fee Structure Circular (2024):

User Type	Registration Fee (₹)	Validity	Renewal Fee
Recycler	15,000	5 years	7,500 + 0.625 ₹ per MT of EPR transactions in previous 5 years + AMC 5,000 p.a.

Step 5 – Processing Timeline & Verification

• CPCB examines applications within 30 working days.
• Any shortcomings are notified digitally on the portal; applicant has 7 days to respond.
• Once complete, CPCB issues a digital Recycler Registration Certificate valid for five years.
• Within three months of registration, CPCB/SPCB will conduct a physical or virtual inspection to verify plant operations.

Step 6 – Operational SOPs to Follow

CPCB’s SOP lays down operational requirements for authorized recyclers:

1. Material Balance & Recovery Efficiency – maintain records of EEE received and metals recovered.
2. Occupational Safety & Fire Systems – mandatory as part of self-declaration.
3. Environmental Controls – ensure air pollution and effluent systems as per CTO.
4. Authorized Supply Chain – trade only with CPCB-registered manufacturers, producers, and refurbishers.
5. Digital EPR Certificates – issue certificates based on metals recovered (Gold, Copper, Aluminium, Iron etc.).

Step 7 – Annual and Quarterly Return Filing

Every registered recycler must file returns through the portal showing quantity of e-waste processed and metals recovered.

• Quarterly Returns: within 30 days of quarter end.
• Annual Returns: by 30 June for the preceding FY.

Failure to submit returns can lead to suspension of registration under Rule 21.

Step 8 – SPCB & CPCB Roles

• SPCB/PCC: issues CTE/CTO and verifies site compliance.
• CPCB: grants and monitors EPR registrations, audits returns, and issues EPR certificates.
• Both authorities coordinate through the digital portal for real-time oversight.

Step 9 – Renewal & Profile Amendments

• Renewal must be filed 120 days before expiry.
• Any change in ownership, capacity or contact requires “Profile Amendment” through OTP-verified workflow.

Step 10 – Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without valid registration is prohibited under Rule 6(1).
Violations can attract:

• Fines up to ₹ 2 lakh and seizure of products or machinery.
• Revocation of license after show-cause hearing.
• Disqualification from future EPR transactions.

Key E-Waste Categories (Examples)

Category (No.)	Equipment Examples	Key Metals for EPR Credits
ITEW1–ITEW9	Computers, Printers, Mobiles	Gold, Copper, Aluminium, Iron
CEEW1–CEEW9	TVs, Cameras, Audio systems	Copper, Iron, Aluminium
LSEEW1–LSEEW25	Appliances & cooling equipment	Copper, Aluminium, Iron

Case Example – Small Recycler in Pune

A startup set up a 500 TPA e-waste plant in Pune in 2024.
They uploaded their geo-tagged video and self-declaration within the CPCB portal.
CPCB granted their registration in 28 days. During audit, minor gaps in fire hydrant placement were corrected — saving them months of delay and enabling EPR certificate sales to OEM partners by Q3.

Benefits of Early Compliance

• Faster access to EPR certificate market (₹-linked returns for metal recovery).
• CSR and ESG alignment with MoEF&CC targets.
• Higher trust with OEMs and importers who require registered recycler partners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete geo-tag videos or inactive links (automatic rejection).
• Mismatch in GST/CTO address and portal entry.
• Missing self-declaration on safety and authentic data.
• Skipping quarterly returns — portal auto-locks renewal.

Table – Registration Lifecycle Snapshot

Stage	Authority	Timeline	Output
Application submission	CPCB Portal	Day 0 – Upload docs & video	Acknowledgement ID
Review & Checklist	CPCB WM-III Division	~30 working days	Digital Shortcoming note (if any)
Approval & Certificate	CPCB	Within 45 days	5-year Registration Certificate
Inspection & Audit	SPCB / CPCB	Within 3 months	Verification Report
Annual Renewal / AMC Payment	CPCB portal	Yearly	Continuity of EPR transactions

Conclusion – Build Compliance into Your Business DNA

E-waste recycling is no longer just a social cause — it’s a regulated business with clear CPCB benchmarks.
By following the E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022, obtaining CPCB registration, and maintaining operational transparency, your facility can not only stay compliant but also profit from EPR certificate markets.

Need Guidance?

Green Permits Consulting LLC offers end-to-end support for CPCB registrations, EPR authorizations, and plant setup approvals.

📞 +91 78350 06182  📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a Consultation with Green Permits