Turning Old Tyres into New Opportunities: How India’s EPR Rules Are Reshaping Waste Management

How Tyres Travel from Roadside Waste to Valuable Resource

Tyres are among the most durable products manufactured today, designed to withstand immense pressure, friction, and weather conditions over thousands of kilometers. But once they wear out, they become a challenging waste stream. Discarded tyres are bulky, non-biodegradable, and hazardous when stockpiled or improperly burned. For decades, India grappled with how to handle the growing volumes of end-of-life tyres (ELTs). Now, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework is changing the narrative—transforming waste tyres from a disposal problem into a resource opportunity.

The journey of a tyre from waste to resource begins the moment it is removed from a vehicle. Under India’s EPR regime, tyre producers are held accountable for the entire post-consumer lifecycle of their products. This responsibility has led to the creation of structured reverse logistics systems, authorized recyclers, and technology-driven tracking mechanisms. These systems ensure that waste tyres do not end up polluting the environment but are instead rerouted into certified recycling or recovery facilities.

In practice, the transformation of waste tyres involves several key stages—each with its own actors, challenges, and environmental benefits. From informal collectors who pick up used tyres from garages, to recyclers who process them into usable materials, this lifecycle is now increasingly formalized under regulatory oversight.

• Collection: Tyres are gathered from service centers, tyre retailers, and scrap dealers, either by informal workers or authorized collection agencies.
• Transportation: Collected tyres are transported to registered recyclers or aggregators using traceable logistics systems mandated by the EPR guidelines.
• Processing: At recycling facilities, tyres are shredded, crumbled, or chemically processed into outputs like rubber granules, steel, pyrolysis oil, or even alternative fuels.

Each of these steps not only contributes to environmental protection but also opens up avenues for green entrepreneurship and job creation. The rubber extracted can be used in athletic tracks or road surfacing, while recovered steel is valuable for metal industries. Even the oil from pyrolysis can substitute fossil fuels in select industries, showcasing the tyre’s potential beyond its original use.

By bringing structure and accountability to what was once an informal, fragmented system, EPR is enabling tyres to complete a circular journey. What was once a burden on landfills and ecosystems is now a catalyst for resource recovery, industrial input, and environmental sustainability.

Every year, millions of tyres reach the end of their life on Indian roads. While once destined for landfills or illegal burning, these bulky, non-biodegradable materials now follow a new path—thanks to India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. This article explores how a used tyre transitions from waste to resource under EPR, highlighting the systems, responsibilities, and opportunities that define this critical transformation.

Understanding the Life Cycle of a Tyre Under EPR

The life cycle of a tyre does not end when its tread wears down. Under India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, the tyre’s post-consumer journey is carefully tracked and regulated. This policy approach places the responsibility of end-of-life management squarely on producers, importers, and brand owners, ensuring that waste tyres are collected, transported, and processed in environmentally sound ways. The result is a structured and accountable system where old tyres are no longer seen as a liability, but as valuable input for circular economy processes.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), oversees the implementation of EPR for tyre waste. The framework requires stakeholders to register on the CPCB portal, submit annual action plans, and achieve predefined collection and recycling targets. These targets are expressed as a percentage of tyres introduced into the market, gradually increasing year-on-year to align with long-term sustainability goals.

Throughout the tyre’s life cycle under EPR, several checkpoints ensure proper handling and traceability. The process begins once a tyre becomes unusable and is handed over to a collection point. From there, a chain of custody is maintained, ensuring that only registered transporters and recyclers handle the material. This minimizes the risk of illegal dumping, burning, or export—practices that previously plagued the sector.

• Registration: Producers and recyclers must be registered on the CPCB’s online portal and meet compliance conditions.
• Collection & Aggregation: Used tyres are collected from retailers, garages, and bulk generators, then aggregated for bulk transport.
• Recycling & Recovery: Authorized recyclers process tyres using methods like crumbing, devulcanization, and pyrolysis.
• Reporting & Verification: Producers submit annual EPR fulfillment reports with evidence, including invoices and GPS-tracked logistics data.

One of the cornerstones of this framework is traceability. Digital platforms are now being used to link every step of the tyre’s journey—from collection to recycling—with geo-tagged and time-stamped data. This reduces leakages, boosts transparency, and builds accountability across the value chain.

Understanding the life cycle of a tyre within the EPR system highlights how policy and technology can work together to close the loop. It also underscores the shift in perception—from treating tyres as waste to managing them as a renewable resource that, when recycled responsibly, can reduce environmental pressure and foster sustainable growth.

A tyre’s journey doesn’t end when it’s no longer roadworthy. The EPR framework assigns responsibility to tyre producers for managing the entire lifecycle of their products—even after consumer use. This system ensures that tyres are tracked, collected, and directed toward environmentally sound disposal or recycling methods.

Producer Responsibility and EPR Mandates

Under the EPR framework, the responsibility of managing tyre waste does not end at the point of sale. Instead, tyre producers, importers, and brand owners (commonly referred to as PIBOs) are mandated to take accountability for the post-consumer phase of the product. This means ensuring that tyres introduced into the market are eventually collected and sent to certified recycling or recovery facilities in a transparent, verifiable manner.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has established clear obligations for these entities. PIBOs are required to register on the official EPR portal, submit annual tyre sales data, and create action plans that include waste tyre collection and processing targets. These targets are set as a percentage of tyres placed on the market and are gradually increased to promote higher recovery rates year over year.

Additionally, producers must work only with authorized recyclers and aggregators, maintain digital records of tyre movement, and submit compliance reports with supporting documentation. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, suspension of operations, or cancellation of registration. By assigning legal responsibility and incorporating digital monitoring tools, the EPR system ensures that producers are not only involved in resource generation but also in end-of-life resource recovery—effectively creating a more circular and sustainable economy.

Under the EPR framework established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), tyre producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) must ensure proper collection and recycling. They are required to meet annual targets, report their compliance on the CPCB EPR portal, and engage with authorized recyclers. Failure to comply can result in penalties or loss of authorization.

Collection Channels and Reverse Logistics

A robust reverse logistics network is essential for bringing waste tyres from users to recycling centers. Informal collectors, retailers, and authorized aggregators form a vital link in this chain. The integration of technology and traceability has made it easier to document this journey, improving accountability and reducing leakages into illegal disposal streams.

The Science and Economics of Tyre Recycling

Tyre recycling is both a technological challenge and an economic opportunity. Waste tyres are composed of complex composite materials—mainly natural and synthetic rubber, steel, fabric, and carbon black. These materials are tightly bonded through vulcanization, a chemical process that enhances durability but makes separation difficult. Despite these challenges, advances in recycling science have made it possible to reclaim much of the material and energy embedded in end-of-life tyres (ELTs), opening up new commercial pathways under India’s EPR system.

There are several methods used to recycle or recover value from waste tyres. Mechanical recycling involves shredding tyres into chips or granules, which are then used in products like rubberized asphalt, playground surfaces, or sports fields. Cryogenic processes use liquid nitrogen to freeze tyres, making them brittle enough to be broken into fine particles. Chemical methods like pyrolysis and devulcanization allow for the extraction of oil, gas, and carbon black, while also enabling the partial restoration of rubber polymers.

From an economic standpoint, tyre recycling has evolved into a viable industry, driven by both market demand for secondary materials and regulatory compliance under EPR. India’s growing infrastructure and construction sectors increasingly use recycled rubber products, while pyrolysis oil is finding its place in energy-intensive industries as an alternative to diesel and furnace oil. Recovered steel and textiles are also fed back into the supply chain, contributing to resource efficiency.

• Crumb Rubber: Produced via mechanical shredding, used in roads, mats, and flooring.
• Pyrolysis Oil: Extracted through thermal decomposition, used as industrial fuel.
• Recovered Carbon Black (rCB): Reused in rubber manufacturing, inks, and coatings.
• Devulcanized Rubber: Partially restored rubber that can be remolded or blended with virgin compounds.

The economics of tyre recycling are further strengthened by EPR obligations, which create a steady supply of waste tyres for processors. With digital traceability systems, subsidies in certain states, and government-backed initiatives to promote recycled products in public procurement, the industry is gaining both policy support and market traction.

Ultimately, the intersection of science and economics is reshaping how tyres are perceived in the waste hierarchy. From a costly environmental burden, they are being reclassified as a renewable resource with industrial value—fueling innovation, reducing dependence on virgin raw materials, and supporting India’s circular economy transition.

Once collected, tyres can be processed through various recycling methods such as pyrolysis, crumbing, or retreading. These techniques not only prevent environmental pollution but also convert waste into reusable materials like oil, steel, rubber granules, and even fuel—making tyre recycling both an ecological and economic imperative.

Pyrolysis and Circular Economy Potential

Pyrolysis involves heating tyres in the absence of oxygen to produce fuel oil, carbon black, and gas. While promising, it requires strict emission controls. When done right, it closes the loop on resource recovery and contributes to India’s circular economy goals by turning waste into industrial feedstock.

• Recovered rubber granules are used in road construction and flooring
• Steel wires are reprocessed by metal industries
• Fuel oil substitutes conventional fossil fuels in select sectors

Challenges and Innovations in Tyre Waste Management

Managing tyre waste at scale in a country like India presents a unique set of challenges. Despite regulatory advances through the EPR framework, large volumes of waste tyres still escape formal channels. Informal recycling operations, unregulated pyrolysis units, and illegal exports continue to undermine efforts toward sustainable waste management. These practices not only degrade the environment but also distort the market for legitimate recyclers who invest in cleaner technologies and regulatory compliance.

One of the key challenges is the lack of widespread awareness and collection infrastructure, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. Many vehicle owners and tyre retailers are unaware of safe disposal options or continue to rely on informal collectors. Additionally, traceability remains a hurdle despite digital platforms introduced under EPR. Gaps in real-time monitoring, data integrity, and enforcement still allow leakages in the reverse supply chain.

On the innovation front, however, promising solutions are beginning to emerge. Entrepreneurs and established recyclers are deploying technologies like AI-powered material sorters, GPS-enabled collection tracking, and clean pyrolysis units that operate within environmental standards. These innovations are being backed by government incentives, private investment, and R&D partnerships that aim to boost efficiency, compliance, and circularity in the tyre value chain.

• Clean Pyrolysis Technologies: Modern plants with emissions controls and automated feedstock systems are replacing traditional batch reactors.
• Digital Tracking Platforms: Use of blockchain and IoT to enhance transparency and reduce manipulation of EPR credits.
• Upcycling Initiatives: Converting waste tyres into high-value products like designer flooring tiles, insulation panels, or eco-construction materials.

Furthermore, collaborative models are gaining ground. Public-private partnerships (PPPs), industry consortiums, and start-up accelerators are helping scale responsible tyre waste solutions. These models not only address the technical and financial barriers faced by small recyclers but also help integrate informal workers into the formal system through skilling and certification programs.

While the road to full EPR compliance in tyre waste management is complex, it is also paved with opportunity. By addressing structural weaknesses and embracing innovation, India can lead by example in turning a persistent waste challenge into a platform for green industrial growth and environmental stewardship.

Despite growing infrastructure, several challenges persist in tyre waste management under EPR. These include lack of public awareness, gaps in informal sector integration, and limited access to compliant recycling facilities in some regions. However, innovative startups and digital tracking systems are helping close these gaps, making compliance more transparent and effective.

Bridging the Gap Between Informal and Formal Sectors

India’s informal sector handles a significant portion of tyre waste. Formalizing this workforce through training, registration, and incentives can improve traceability and quality of recycling. EPR frameworks now encourage collaboration between informal actors and certified recyclers to ensure a more inclusive and efficient value chain.

Where Do We Go From Here? Building a Future-Ready EPR Ecosystem

As India scales up its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for waste tyres, the focus is shifting from basic compliance to long-term ecosystem readiness. This means building not just capacity, but resilience, innovation, and inclusivity into the framework. A future-ready EPR ecosystem must go beyond mandates and targets—it should enable seamless coordination among producers, regulators, recyclers, consumers, and the informal sector while keeping environmental and economic goals aligned.

One of the primary needs is to enhance digital integration and transparency. While online portals for registration and reporting have improved accountability, they require further interoperability with real-time data tools like GPS tracking, RFID-enabled containers, and AI-based verification of recycling records. These upgrades can plug loopholes, detect non-compliance early, and boost confidence in the EPR credit market.

Another crucial step is strengthening end-use markets for recycled tyre materials. The long-term viability of the EPR system depends on ensuring there is a steady demand for products like crumb rubber, pyrolysis oil, and recovered carbon black. Government procurement policies, green public infrastructure programs, and tax incentives can all stimulate demand for circular materials, making recycling economically attractive and environmentally beneficial.

• Integrating informal workers through training and formal certifications to boost traceability and social inclusion.
• Developing localized collection infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to ensure consistent tyre recovery rates.
• Implementing national-level product design guidelines to support easier recycling and material recovery at end-of-life.

Policy harmonization across states also plays a critical role. Uniform interpretation and enforcement of EPR rules—particularly regarding recycler authorization, emission standards, and data reporting—will ensure a level playing field and reduce compliance burdens for national-level producers. Further, the creation of a centralized national registry for verified recyclers and collection agents can streamline operations and prevent fraudulent practices.

Ultimately, the success of India’s EPR journey for waste tyres will depend on how effectively it transitions from a rule-based system to a results-driven ecosystem. By focusing on systemic upgrades, stakeholder engagement, and circular market development, India can lead the global charge toward a future where waste tyres are no longer a problem to be managed but a resource to be unlocked.

India’s approach to tyre waste under EPR is still evolving. Future progress depends on better data integration, policy enforcement, and producer innovation. By investing in sustainable practices and technologies, India can turn waste tyres from a pressing liability into a renewable asset—contributing to its broader climate and resource efficiency goals.

Opportunities for Stakeholders Across the Value Chain

From producers meeting compliance targets to recyclers investing in cleaner tech, and even consumers participating in take-back programs, everyone plays a role. Government support through incentives and stricter enforcement will further accelerate this transformation toward sustainable tyre management.

Reimagining Waste Tyres as the Fuel for Tomorrow’s Sustainability

The idea of a discarded tyre as a valuable resource may once have seemed far-fetched, but today it sits at the core of an evolving vision for sustainable development. As India deepens its commitment to circular economy practices, waste tyres are increasingly being recognized not as pollutants but as sources of renewable energy, industrial inputs, and economic opportunity. Through innovations in material science, policy mechanisms like EPR, and growing public awareness, the transformation of tyre waste is becoming a symbol of what a regenerative future could look like.

Recycled tyre products now fuel several sectors—from transportation infrastructure to alternative energy. Crumb rubber is widely used in making long-lasting, low-maintenance roads, while pyrolysis processes convert tyres into oil that can supplement fossil fuel consumption in heavy industry. Even carbon black and steel recovered from tyres are being reintegrated into new manufacturing processes, significantly reducing the demand for virgin raw materials. These outcomes demonstrate that environmental sustainability and economic efficiency are not mutually exclusive.

Reimagining waste tyres in this way aligns with global climate goals and resource conservation strategies. By reducing landfill pressure, curbing illegal burning, and displacing energy-intensive materials, tyre recycling helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and promotes cleaner production cycles. In rural areas, small-scale tyre recycling units are even contributing to local livelihoods, offering employment and promoting entrepreneurship—especially when supported by capacity-building initiatives and access to formal markets.

• Pyrolysis oil reduces dependence on imported fuels and supports energy-intensive industries.
• Recycled rubber roads are more durable and reduce maintenance costs in public infrastructure.
• Recovered materials like carbon black and steel cut down the need for virgin mining and extraction.

Looking ahead, India’s ability to scale this transformation depends on continuous investment in cleaner technologies, cross-sector collaboration, and inclusive policies. If tyre waste can be fully integrated into a closed-loop system—where design, use, and recovery are all part of a single, sustainable lifecycle—it will become a blueprint for tackling other complex waste streams. More importantly, it will show how industrial byproducts can be redirected toward environmental regeneration, economic inclusion, and climate resilience.

The journey of waste tyres, from worn-out road companions to enablers of sustainability, is a powerful reminder that change often begins with rethinking the ordinary. In doing so, India is not just managing waste—it is crafting a future in which every product has a second life, and every challenge reveals a new opportunity.

As India strengthens its EPR framework for tyre waste, a new story is being written—one where discarded tyres fuel innovation, employment, and resource recovery. The journey from road to resource is no longer linear or wasteful. It’s cyclical, resilient, and full of untapped potential. Stakeholders must now work together to ensure this momentum leads to long-term environmental gains and a truly circular tyre economy.