India’s rapid economic growth and urbanisation have accelerated motorisation, creating a surge in demand for raw materials and generating complex automotive waste streams. Seven categories stand out for their direct link to the automobile sector: End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), Used Oil, Non-Ferrous Metals, Battery Waste, E-Waste, Plastic Waste, and Tyre Waste. These streams pose environmental and health risks if mismanaged, yet they also contain valuable secondary raw materials such as steel, aluminium, copper, rare earths, plastics, and hydrocarbons making them critical for resource security and industrial growth.
To address these challenges, the Government of India has introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, shifting accountability for waste management to producers, importers, and brand owners. This marks a transition from the traditional “take–make–dispose” model to a circular economy where products are designed for durability, collected responsibly at end-of-life, and recycled through formal systems. Key enablers such as CPCB’s digital EPR portals, certificate trading systems, and recycled-content mandates are driving this systemic change, ensuring that waste becomes a resource rather than a liability.
Managing automotive waste streams effectively is more than compliance it’s an opportunity to create green jobs, enhance industrial competitiveness, and secure critical resources for the future. By embracing circular economy principles and leveraging EPR frameworks, India can transform its automotive sector into a model of sustainability and innovation. The future of mobility is not just about moving people it’s about moving toward a cleaner, greener, and more resilient planet.