India’s Circular Economy: From Compliance to Inclusive Impact
India’s waste challenge is also a resource opportunity. As urbanisation, changing consumption patterns and greater use of packaged goods place new pressure on waste-management systems, the country is moving beyond collection and disposal towards a circular model—one that keeps products and materials in use for longer while creating value for communities.
This September 2026 edition of CNK’s Sustainability Newsletter, Investing in a Sustainable Future, examines how policy, business, urban local bodies, civil-society organisations and waste workers can work together to turn circular-economy commitments into practical, inclusive impact.
From compliance to circular value
The policy foundation is strengthening. The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 place greater emphasis on source segregation, accountability, digital tracking and resource recovery. Alongside them, Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks across plastic packaging, e-waste, batteries, waste tyres and used oil are making producers, importers and brand owners part of the post-consumption solution.
Compliance, however, is only the starting point. Circularity becomes meaningful when systems on the ground can collect, sort, repair, reuse and recycle materials efficiently. The newsletter explores how corporate investment and CSR programmes can reinforce local recycling ecosystems, improve infrastructure and support sustainable livelihoods. It notes that CSR spending reached ₹40,794 crore in FY 2024–25, including ₹3,397 crore directed towards environmental sustainability.
The people behind the loop
India’s informal recycling economy involves an estimated four million people. Waste pickers, kabadiwaalas, aggregators and other workers recover a substantial share of urban recyclable material, yet often face hazardous conditions, volatile earnings and limited social protection. Women form a particularly significant part of this workforce.
Through examples including ONGC’s Green Rameshwaram initiative and Hasiru Dala’s work with Dry Waste Collection Centres in Bengaluru, the publication shows why an inclusive circular economy must close two loops: keeping materials in circulation and creating recognition, dignity, skills and opportunity for the people who make recovery possible.
What this edition covers
India’s transition from a linear to a circular economy
The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and Extended Producer Responsibility
Corporate and CSR participation across the waste-management value chain
The role of urban local bodies and local partnerships
Waste-worker livelihoods, health, dignity and social inclusion
Practical case studies from Rameshwaram and Bengaluru
Read the newsletter
Download the complete September 2026 Sustainability Newsletter for the detailed analysis, data and case studies.