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Circular Economy & Sustainability

Circular Economy in Urban India: A New Governance Model

Circular Economy & Sustainability |

Circular Economy & Sustainability Circular Economy in Urban India: A New Governance Model Monday, January 09, 2026 Swachh Survekshan is no longer just a cleanliness ranking. It has evolved into one of the world’s most scalable platforms for circular economy governance, influencing how Indian cities plan, measure, and manage material flows. With the launch of SBM-Urban 2.0 and the notification of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 (effective April 1, 2026), India is decisively moving beyond the idea of “cleaning up” cities. The focus is now on structural resource management, where waste is treated as a recoverable asset rather than a disposal problem. This transition marks a fundamental shift in the DNA of Indian urban governance. India’s Shift from Waste Management to Resource Management For years, urban waste management in India was evaluated primarily on visible cleanliness—collection efficiency, sweeping frequency, and landfill operations. That model is rapidly becoming obsolete. The current policy direction emphasizes: Waste reduction at source Maximum recovery of materials Scientific processing across all waste streams Minimal reliance on landfilling In essence, cities are being redesigned to function as resource recovery systems, not waste sinks. The New Governance Triangle Reshaping Indian Cities India’s urban circular economy transition rests on a powerful three-pillar governance framework that aligns vision, regulation, and outcomes. 1. SBM-Urban 2.0: Defining the Vision SBM-Urban 2.0 sets the strategic direction for garbage-free cities. Its focus extends beyond sanitation to systemic transformation, including: 100% segregation of waste at source Universal access to scientific waste processing Remediation and closure of legacy dumpsites Improved working conditions and dignity for sanitation workers This vision establishes cleanliness as a baseline, not the end goal. 2. SWM Rules, 2026: Defining the Rules The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 form the regulatory backbone of India’s circular economy transition. They introduce enforceable obligations across the waste value chain, particularly for bulk waste generators and urban local bodies. Key regulatory shifts include: Mandatory source segregation into wet, dry, sanitary, and special-category waste Material recovery and recycling targets for bulk waste generators Traceability requirements for plastic waste and construction & demolition waste Scientific processing mandates for all waste streams Strict limits on landfilling, restricted only to inert residues Strengthened digital compliance, real-time monitoring, and accountability mechanisms The rules also prescribe clear timelines for legacy waste remediation, moving India away from open dumping as an acceptable urban practice. 3. Swachh Survekshan: Measuring Outcomes Swachh Survekshan operationalizes policy by converting intent into measurable performance. Its evolution is particularly significant: Use of geotagged and time-stamped evidence Third-party verification and audits Performance-linked incentives for cities Integration of citizen participation metrics By tying rankings and recognition to verified outcomes, Swachh Survekshan ensures that compliance is data-driven, transparent, and accountable. Why This Shift Matters Now The convergence of SBM-Urban 2.0, SWM Rules 2026, and Swachh Survekshan creates a closed governance loop: Vision defines what cities must become Rules define what cities must do Measurement defines how cities are evaluated For waste generators, urban bodies, and service providers, this means: Responsibility is no longer optional Compliance is continuous, not periodic Digital reporting and traceability are non-negotiable Urban governance is moving from intent-based compliance to evidence-based accountability. The Philosophical Shift: From Disposal to Elimination The most profound change is not regulatory—it is philosophical. Cities are no longer rewarded for how efficiently they dispose of waste, but for how effectively they eliminate waste through reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery. This is the core principle of the circular economy: Waste is not managed—it is designed out Materials are kept in circulation for as long as possible Landfills become a last resort, not a default solution India is now applying this philosophy at an unprecedented urban scale. Circular Cities Need Circular Citizenship A circular city cannot exist without circular behavior. Segregation at source, responsible consumption, and participation in decentralized processing systems are as critical as policy and infrastructure. Swachh Survekshan reinforces this by embedding citizen participation into city performance metrics. Together, SBM-Urban 2.0, the SWM Rules 2026, and Swachh Survekshan are not just reshaping cities—they are shaping circular citizenship. Building India’s Circular Urban Future India’s urban transformation is no longer about cleaner streets alone. It is about: Redesigning material flows Embedding accountability into governance Aligning policy, technology, and citizen action From cleanliness to circularity, India is steadily building a model of sustainable urbanisation that is systematic, measurable, and scalable. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What does “circular economy in urban India” mean? The circular economy in urban India refers to a system where cities minimize waste generation and maximize resource recovery through segregation, recycling, reuse, and scientific processing, reducing dependence on landfills. 2. How is Swachh Survekshan linked to the circular economy? Swachh Survekshan evaluates cities on source segregation, waste processing, citizen participation, and digital reporting. By rewarding verified outcomes rather than intentions, it drives cities toward circular economy practices. 3. What is new in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026? The SWM Rules, 2026 introduce mandatory segregation, recycling and recovery targets for bulk waste generators, traceability for plastic and C&D waste, digital compliance, and strict timelines for legacy waste remediation. 4. When do the SWM Rules, 2026 come into effect? The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 come into force on 1 April 2026, replacing the SWM Rules, 2016 while preserving obligations already undertaken. 5. Who must comply with the SWM Rules, 2026? Urban local bodies, bulk waste generators, commercial establishments, institutions, industries, and waste processors are all required to comply with the SWM Rules, 2026. 6. What role does SBM-Urban 2.0 play in urban waste governance? SBM-Urban 2.0 provides the national vision for garbage-free cities by promoting 100% source segregation, scientific processing of waste, remediation of legacy dumpsites, and dignity for sanitation workers. 7. Why is landfilling being restricted under the new framework? Landfilling is limited to inert residues to prevent environmental damage and encourage recycling, recovery, and waste-to-energy solutions aligned with circular economy principles. 8. How does digital compliance improve accountability? Digital compliance enables real-time monitoring, traceability, and performance measurement, ensuring transparency and

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Synergy in E-waste Management Between Sellers and Buyers: A Roadmap for Circular Value Creation

Circular Economy & Sustainability |

Synergy in E-waste Management Between Sellers and Buyers: A Roadmap for Circular Value Creation Click Here Synergy in E-waste Management Between Sellers and Buyers: A Roadmap for Circular Value Creation Introduction The growing need for synergy in e-waste management is becoming central to India’s transition toward a circular and resource-efficient future. With e-waste rising from 1.01 million MT in 2019-20 to 1.751 million MT in 2023-24, the gap between sellers and buyers of discarded electronics has widened — but so has the opportunity for circular value creation. Why Synergy Matters Sellers — The E-waste Generators • Corporates, households, and public institutions generate large volumes of e-waste• Informal collectors dominate due to cost advantages, but unsafe handling causes toxic leakage Buyers — Recyclers & Secondary Users • Formal recyclers ensure safe and high-yield metal recovery but face supply shortages• Refurbishers and resellers extend lifecycles by enabling reuse before recycling A transparent and collaborative system is needed to match both sides effectively. The Roadmap for Synergistic E-waste Management Phase 1 – Awareness & Collection • Incentivized take-back and drop-off programs• Household and corporate awareness campaigns• Digital traceability of every disposal Phase 2 — Formalization & Transparency • Channel waste to certified recyclers• Use digital marketplaces such as Zecomy to match sellers and buyers• Ensure EPR-compliance-first transactions Phase 3 — Circular Economy Integration • Encourage refurbishment and remanufacturing• Enable recovered metals and plastics to re-enter production• Develop state circularity hubs and recycling parks Phase 4 — Innovation & Scale • Invest in large-scale safe recycling technologies• Promote collaboration among OEMs, recyclers, and regulators• Monetize urban mining through commodity linkages How Zecomy Enables This Synergy Zecomy (Brand of Eco eMarket Pvt. Ltd.) strengthens the circular value loop through: Capability Outcome Digital Matchmaking Connects bulk e-waste sellers with authorized buyers Traceability & Compliance Supports EPR and hazardous waste regulations Circularity Enablement Encourages reuse, resale & recycling Data-Driven Insights Maximizes value recovery and cost savings Conclusion A sustainable e-waste ecosystem requires seamless synergy in e-waste management between sellers and buyers. With platforms like Zecomy enabling transparency, compliance, and fair valuation, India can shift from a fragmented system to a truly circular e-waste economy. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Why is synergy in e-waste management important in India?   Synergy between sellers and buyers ensures that e-waste moves through a transparent and traceable channel instead of informal, unsafe disposal. It accelerates recycling, reuse, and material recovery while reducing environmental and public health risks. 2. How do sellers benefit from structured e-waste disposal?   Corporates, OEMs, and institutions gain higher recovery value, digital records of disposal, EPR compliance support, and safe handling of hazardous material through authorized recyclers instead of informal collectors. 3. What challenges do recyclers and refurbishers face in sourcing e-waste?   Formal recyclers struggle with inconsistent supply because most e-waste remains in the informal sector. Digital matchmaking platforms help bridge this gap, ensuring consistent sourcing and transparent pricing. 4. How does a digital SaaS platform enable circular value creation?   A B2B digital platform provides traceability, pricing visibility, compliance documentation, and matchmaking between sellers and buyers — enabling safe recycling, reuse, and reintegration of recovered materials into production. 5. What role does the circular economy play in e-waste management?   The circular economy focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing. When synergy exists between sellers and buyers, recovered metals and components return to production instead of entering landfills. Synergy between sellers and buyers ensures that e-waste moves through a transparent and traceable channel instead of informal, unsafe disposal. It accelerates recycling, reuse, and material recovery while reducing environmental and public health risks. Corporates, OEMs, and institutions gain higher recovery value, digital records of disposal, EPR compliance support, and safe handling of hazardous material through authorized recyclers instead of informal collectors. Formal recyclers struggle with inconsistent supply because most e-waste remains in the informal sector. Digital matchmaking platforms help bridge this gap, ensuring consistent sourcing and transparent pricing. A B2B digital platform provides traceability, pricing visibility, compliance documentation, and matchmaking between sellers and buyers — enabling safe recycling, reuse, and reintegration of recovered materials into production. The circular economy focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing. When synergy exists between sellers and buyers, recovered metals and components return to production instead of entering landfills.   Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Akshay K. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Slide 1 Title Slide 1 Sub Title Slider 1 Description Text, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur laoreet cursus volutpat. Aliquam sit amet ligula et justo tincidunt laoreet non vitae lorem. 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Corporate Playbook: ESG and E-Waste Management Roadmap for Sustainability Teams

Circular Economy & Sustainability |

The Zecomy Knowledge Hub Corporate Playbook — Accelerating ESG and E-Waste Management Click Here Corporate Playbook — Accelerating ESG and E-Waste Management ESG and E-Waste Management are now core priorities for corporate sustainability teams. With increasing regulation, disclosure expectations, and material recovery opportunities, organizations must build structured programs that integrate compliance, circularity, and reporting. Why this matters now: Today, sustainability teams aren’t just fighting for compliance — they’re fighting to protect brand trust, investor confidence, and supply resilience. Every discarded device represents not only a waste management problem, but also a strategic opportunity to recover value, reduce emissions, and build responsible circular business models. This is not just about e-waste.It’s about building a corporate future where sustainability is not a reporting exercise — but a business advantage. Governance & Accountability Framework Key requirements for enterprises Define oversight and traceability Maintain an e-waste risk register Conduct quarterly compliance reviews Align with EPR and state regulatory norms Regulatory & Reporting Landscape — India vs Global Region Key Policies & Obligations India E-Waste Rules 2022, CPCB EPR portal, BRSR reporting Global EU WEEE, OECD EPR, ISSB, GRI, SASB Procurement & Circular Supply Chains Procurement plays a central role in ESG and E-Waste Management: Life-cycle-based sourcing Supplier ESG scorecard Recyclability and take-back clauses Circular Economy Integration — 9R Framework Organizations should embed the 9R Circularity Actions across procurement, operations, recovery, and reporting (Refuse → Recycle → Recover). Each 9R action supports BRSR Principle 2 on responsible product lifecycle management and Principle 6 on environmental stewardship. Sustainability Reporting & KPIs Recommended ESG and E-Waste Management metrics include: Material circularity indicator Recovery efficiency Scope 3 emissions avoided % of devices recollected and refurbished Corporate Roadmap — Step-by-Step Implementation Phase Timeline Outcome Phase 0 0–2 months Governance + baseline Phase 1 2–6 months Compliance + EPR alignment Phase 2 6–12 months Supply + recovery formalization Phase 3 6–18 months Reporting & verification Phase 4 12–36 months Circular product design Case Studies — Dell & HP Leadership Insights from corporate sustainability leaders: Closed-loop plastic chains (Dell) Global take-back and refurbishment (HP) Risk Management and Mitigation Policy volatility Informal-sector leakage Greenwashing/ verification failures Near-Term Targets for Companies Q1: Baseline + EPR registration Q2: 25% collection through pilots Q3: 100% routing to authorized recyclers Q4: Publish BRSR-aligned disclosures Conclusion Corporates that embed a structured ESG and E-Waste Management program unlock regulatory confidence, material recovery savings, Scope 3 reductions, and stronger investor trust. To implement a customized and compliant E-Waste roadmap, connect with Zecomy — India’s trusted industrial e-waste management partner.Book a consultation → contact us Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is the connection between ESG and E-waste management? E-waste management directly influences the Environmental and Governance dimensions of ESG by reducing toxic waste, improving material recovery, and ensuring regulatory compliance and responsible disposal. 2. Why should corporates prioritize e-waste management for ESG reporting? Regulators and investors now expect transparent disclosure on waste handling, circularity, and recovery. Strong e-waste governance improves sustainability ratings, compliance scores, and investor trust. 3. Does e-waste management fall under Scope 3 emissions? Yes. When electronics are disposed or recycled, the emissions associated with resource extraction, new product manufacturing, and transportation are considered Scope 3. Recovering materials helps reduce Scope 3 footprints. 4. What are the key policies for e-waste compliance in India? The E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 mandate producer and bulk-consumer responsibilities, EPR registration, documentation, collection targets, and authorized recycler engagement. 5. How does EPR support corporate circularity? Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requires companies to ensure safe recycling and recovery of discarded electronics. This drives better product design, formal recovery channels, and reduced landfill dependency. 6. What KPIs should organizations track for ESG and E-waste management? Common KPIs include % of e-waste collected formally, % of material recovered, circularity index, energy/emissions avoided, and authorized recycler traceability compliance. 7. Can informal recycling be part of a compliant ESG strategy? Informal recyclers can be included only through formalization initiatives — safety training, PPE, certified dismantling hubs, and recycler partnerships. Unregulated informal processing violates compliance. 8. What role does procurement play in e-waste reduction? Procurement teams can reduce e-waste by adopting life-cycle-based sourcing, requiring recyclability and take-back clauses, and evaluating suppliers using ESG scorecards. 9. What is the business ROI of e-waste recycling for companies? Recovering metals like copper, aluminium, and gold reduces raw-material dependency and supports cost savings. Companies also benefit through better ESG scores, reduced risk exposure, and stronger stakeholder trust. 10. How can companies get started with e-waste management quickly? The fastest path is to: Form an e-waste taskforce Register on the CPCB EPR portal Identify authorized recyclers Launch internal collection channels Track KPIs for BRSR/GRI reporting E-waste management directly influences the Environmental and Governance dimensions of ESG by reducing toxic waste, improving material recovery, and ensuring regulatory compliance and responsible disposal. Regulators and investors now expect transparent disclosure on waste handling, circularity, and recovery. Strong e-waste governance improves sustainability ratings, compliance scores, and investor trust. Yes. When electronics are disposed or recycled, the emissions associated with resource extraction, new product manufacturing, and transportation are considered Scope 3. Recovering materials helps reduce Scope 3 footprints. The E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 mandate producer and bulk-consumer responsibilities, EPR registration, documentation, collection targets, and authorized recycler engagement. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requires companies to ensure safe recycling and recovery of discarded electronics. This drives better product design, formal recovery channels, and reduced landfill dependency. Common KPIs include % of e-waste collected formally, % of material recovered, circularity index, energy/emissions avoided, and authorized recycler traceability compliance. Informal recyclers can be included only through formalization initiatives — safety training, PPE, certified dismantling hubs, and recycler partnerships. Unregulated informal processing violates compliance. Procurement teams can reduce e-waste by adopting life-cycle-based sourcing, requiring recyclability and take-back clauses, and evaluating suppliers using ESG scorecards. Recovering metals like copper, aluminium, and gold reduces raw-material dependency and supports cost savings. Companies also benefit through better ESG scores, reduced risk exposure, and stronger stakeholder trust. The fastest path is to: Form an e-waste taskforce Register

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How to Conduct a Waste Assessment That Drives Action — Not Just Reports

Circular Economy & Sustainability |

The Zecomy Knowledge Hub Waste Assessment: A Framework to Drive Action — Not Just Reports Click Here How to Conduct a Waste Assessment That Drives Action — Not Just Reports In India’s industrial landscape, a Waste Assessment is no longer just a compliance ritual — it is an opportunity to unlock hidden value and accelerate ESG performance. Yet in many organizations, waste assessments end up as static reports created for regulators rather than tools that guide real decision-making. A modern Waste Assessment should work as both a diagnostic and an implementation-oriented roadmap — reducing disposal costs, recovering valuable materials, and improving sustainability outcomes across the value chain. A Six-Step Framework for Actionable Waste Assessments 1. Define Objectives Beyond Compliance Traditional audits focus only on documentation. An impactful Waste Assessment starts with broader goals: Mapping waste across the full value chain Identifying opportunities for reuse, recovery, or monetization Ensuring insights directly inform operational decisions 2. Map Waste Streams Accurately Accuracy is the foundation for every waste strategy. This includes: Characterization — hazardous, non-hazardous, e-waste, batteries, biomedical, construction debris, etc. Quantification — measuring actual volumes over time rather than estimates Material Flow Analysis — tracing inputs, outputs and leakages to uncover avoidable waste Digital tools are now enabling industries to capture waste data in real time, improving transparency and traceability. 3. Identify Recovery & Circularity Opportunities A strong Waste Assessment goes beyond disposal by highlighting: Material recovery (metals from machining scrap, solvents from process streams) Energy recovery (refuse-derived fuel from non-recyclables) Process redesign to minimize waste at source 4. Integrate ESG & Cost Metrics Waste assessments gain organizational traction when aligned with financial and sustainability outcomes: Compare disposal cost vs. diversion savings Measure GHG emission reductions (GRI 306, BRSR Sr 4, ESRS E5) Map alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals Example: diverting one tonne of mixed paper from landfill to recycling avoids ~2.6 tonnes CO₂e emissions while saving ₹1,500–₹3,000 in disposal charges. 5. Convert Insights Into an Implementation Plan Insights only create impact when paired with execution. A practical roadmap includes: Stream-specific actions for reduction and recovery Accountability, milestones and timelines KPIs such as diversion rate, circularity index, cost savings and CO₂e avoided 6. Commit to Continuous Improvement Waste management is dynamic, not static. A future-ready framework involves: Regular data updates and assurance Monitoring the impact of interventions Integrating new technologies and market linkages Applying a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) governance loop Why This Matters Across Industries Manufacturing, FMCG, healthcare, IT, automotive, pharma and construction sectors face increasing pressures: Tighter regulatory norms for hazardous, plastic, e-waste and batteries Rising penalties for improper disposal Customer and supply-chain demands for transparency Net-zero and “Zero Waste to Landfill” targets Organizations that adopt recovery-oriented Waste Assessments are better positioned to reduce risk, unlock financial value and strengthen their ESG narrative. Conclusion: Turning Assessments Into Action Waste Assessments should not remain static reporting documents. They must evolve into living action roadmaps that link real-time data, operational recovery, ESG metrics and continuous improvement. Digital circular platforms like Zecomy’s ecosystem are enabling industries to bridge this action gap — helping transform waste from a cost centre into a value-generating resource. Want to convert your Waste Assessment into real cost savings and ESG impact?Explore Zecomy’s Industrial Waste Advisory & Recovery Services. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is a Waste Assessment?   A Waste Assessment is a structured evaluation of waste generation, composition, handling, and disposal across operations to identify reduction, recovery, and recycling opportunities. 2. Why is a Waste Assessment important for industries?   It helps industries reduce disposal costs, improve material recovery, enhance compliance, and strengthen ESG performance by aligning waste management with sustainability goals. 3. What are the key steps in conducting a Waste Assessment?   The core steps include defining objectives, mapping waste streams, analyzing material flows, identifying recovery opportunities, integrating ESG and cost metrics, developing an implementation plan, and monitoring continuous improvement. 4. How does a Waste Assessment improve ESG reporting?   A Waste Assessment supports ESG reporting by providing traceable data on waste diversion, circularity, cost savings, and GHG emission reductions aligned with frameworks such as GRI 306 and BRSR. 5. What types of waste are typically analyzed in a Waste Assessment?   Hazardous, non-hazardous, plastic waste, e-waste, batteries, metals, chemical solvents, biomedical waste, and construction debris are commonly evaluated. 6. How often should a Waste Assessment be conducted?   Most industries conduct a Waste Assessment annually or during process or facility expansions. Digitally monitored facilities may opt for real-time or quarterly tracking. 7. Can a Waste Assessment help reduce operational costs?   Yes. Recovering materials, preventing leakages, redesigning processes, and optimizing disposal methods can significantly lower waste management costs. 8. Who should perform a Waste Assessment?   It is best conducted by trained sustainability experts or waste management specialists with experience in sampling, material flow analysis, regulatory compliance, and circularity solutions. 9. What tools or technologies can support Waste Assessments?   Digital waste tracking tools, material flow software, IoT-based monitoring systems, and circular marketplace platforms help improve accuracy and transparency. 10. How is a Waste Assessment different from a compliance audit?   Compliance audits focus on meeting regulatory reporting requirements, while Waste Assessments emphasize actionable recovery, process improvement, ESG gains, and financial value creation. A Waste Assessment is a structured evaluation of waste generation, composition, handling, and disposal across operations to identify reduction, recovery, and recycling opportunities. It helps industries reduce disposal costs, improve material recovery, enhance compliance, and strengthen ESG performance by aligning waste management with sustainability goals. The core steps include defining objectives, mapping waste streams, analyzing material flows, identifying recovery opportunities, integrating ESG and cost metrics, developing an implementation plan, and monitoring continuous improvement. A Waste Assessment supports ESG reporting by providing traceable data on waste diversion, circularity, cost savings, and GHG emission reductions aligned with frameworks such as GRI 306 and BRSR. Hazardous, non-hazardous, plastic waste, e-waste, batteries, metals, chemical solvents, biomedical waste, and construction debris are commonly evaluated. Most industries conduct a Waste Assessment annually or during process or

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