NEW DELHI. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said India has earned over Rs 4,000 crore from scrap, including e-waste, highlighting the growing economic value of waste under the government’s cleanliness initiatives. Speaking at the Global Symposium on Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy in New Delhi, he noted a global shift towards a circular economy where waste is increasingly treated as a valuable resource.
He emphasised that recycling, biotechnology and innovation are driving this transition, turning materials like plastic, used cooking oil and industrial by-products into useful inputs such as biofuels and construction materials. Industries that once spent on waste disposal are now generating revenue, reflecting a major shift in how resources are utilised.
The Minister added that the circular economy is creating opportunities not only for industries but also for startups, MSMEs and households, supporting livelihoods and sustainable growth. He said these developments will play a key role in strengthening green technologies and helping India move towards its net-zero emissions target by 2070.
