The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has expanded its Blue Category. The move integrates eight additional recycling and waste management services to strengthen the state’s circular economy. Originally introduced by the CPCB in 2025, the Blue Category simplifies regulatory processes for essential environmental facilities. This expansion is designed to reduce documentation hurdles and accelerate the transition toward a regenerative Viksit Bharat model.
New services:
The MPCB has included critical sectors that go beyond the original national guidelines. New additions include plastic waste recycling, PET bottle recycling, e-waste dismantling, and sanitary waste management plants. By categorizing these as Blue, the board acknowledges their vital role in municipal service delivery. This reclassification ensures that green entrepreneurs can set up operations with minimal administrative friction while maintaining strict environmental safeguards.
Incentivizing the recycling industry:
Industries in the Blue Category will now benefit from a significantly reduced compliance burden. A key incentive is the additional two-year extension granted on the original consent validity period. This measure prevents frequent renewals and provides long-term operational certainty for investors. The policy, driven by Chairman Siddhesh Kadam and Member Secretary Devender Singh, aims to make Maharashtra the national leader in sustainable industrial growth.
Thought leadership:
According to an official MPCB statement, “The measure is expected to accelerate circular economy activity in the state and draw investors to allied sectors, providing a strong push to recycling and scientific waste processing.”
“This expansion reflects our commitment to balancing environmental protection with economic growth under the Ease of Doing Business initiative,” said Devender Singh, Member Secretary, MPCB.
