R. RAJAMANICKAM AND S. NAGAN
Abstract
Tamil Nadu State in India generates about 13.19 lakh tons of hazardous waste annually from 4,825 identified industries (2023-24). Of this, 7.43 lakh tons (56.35%) are recyclable, 4.39 lakh tons (33.29%) are utilizable, 0.27 lakh tons (2.07%) are incinerable, and 1.09 lakh tons (8.29%) are landfillable. Hazardous waste management in the state is governed under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, which emphasize environmentally sound handling, treatment, and disposal. To strengthen compliance, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has granted authorizations for three common Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs), which are being operated by private entities. TNPCB has authorized 112 recycling units with a capacity of 7.05 lakh tons per annum for recycling of zinc, copper, lead battery wastes, used oils, and related streams. Thirty-one non-captive utilization units handle 0.83 lakh tons annually, including spent solvents and contaminated packaging. Co-processing is promoted in 15 cement plants with a cumulative capacity of 18.43 lakh tons per annum for wastes such as effluent treatment plant sludge and paint sludge, thereby reducing dependency on landfills and promoting resource recovery. At the national level, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has implemented the National Hazardous Waste Tracking System, in which 911 industries in Tamilnadu have registered. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is enforced for waste tyre and used oils. As of August 2025, CPCB has granted EPR registration to 24 tyre producers, 35 recyclers, seven base oil and lubricant oil producers, and one used oil recycler. To facilitate hazardous waste recycling, TNPCB has launched the Waste Exchange Bureau, an online portal connecting generators and recyclers for commercial transactions. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of hazardous waste management practices in Tamil Nadu, underlining the regulatory framework, infrastructure, and EPR mechanisms. It further identifies challenges and delineates pathways to enhance circular economy practices and minimize environmental risks.