The Government of Punjab has issued a notification to implement the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Recycling of Waste Tyre Scrap in Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) units, as prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on January 16, 2024.
This move comes in compliance with various orders of the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) aiming to address environmental and health hazards caused by unregulated tyre pyrolysis operations.
🔍 Background and Need
Tyre Pyrolysis Units have been under scrutiny due to:
- High pollution potential
- Use of waste tyres and plastics
- Public complaints regarding emissions and odour
- Worker health and safety concerns
In response, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and CPCB have worked on a uniform national SOP to regulate these units and ensure environmentally sound operations.
⚙️ Key Provisions of the New SOP
The CPCB SOP dated 16.01.2024 mandates the following:
1. Scope
Applicable to all TPO units engaged in:
- Recovery of Tyre Pyrolysis Oil
- Pyro Gas
- Steel
- Char
2. Technology Requirements
Applies to:
- Advanced Batch Automated Process (ABAP)
- Continuous Tyre Pyrolysis Process
3. Operational Compliance
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) mandatory
- Adherence to gaseous emission standards
- Use of air pollution control devices (APCDs)
4. Siting Criteria
- Units must comply with carrying capacity norms of the area
- Projects require site clearance from the Site Appraisal Committee (SAC)
(as per the State’s order dated 15.10.2024)
5. Worker Health & Safety
- Safety norms to protect workers from toxic exposure
- Periodic health monitoring recommended
🏭 Implementation Framework
- Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) is the implementing authority
- SOP will be enforced during Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate under:
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
🔄 Key Developments Leading to Notification
- 2015: MoEFCC issues initial SOPs
- 2019: NGT takes suo motu cognizance (OA 400/2019)
- 2019–2021: PPCB constitutes technical committee to assess carrying capacity
- 2024: CPCB issues revised SOP based on updated data and NGT directions
- 2025: Punjab notifies adoption of revised SOP and mandates full compliance
🚨 Important Notes
- Site approval from SAC continues to be mandatory for new or expanded units
- The 2014 guidelines are now superseded
- Regional officers are instructed to disseminate the notification to all relevant stakeholders for strict compliance
🧠 Why This Matters
Improperly managed tyre pyrolysis units are known to emit:
- Carcinogenic gases
- Foul odours
- Untreated liquid effluents
This SOP enforces strict pollution control, worker safety, and responsible siting of such units—marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability in Punjab.
📢 What’s Next?
- New Units: Must strictly adhere to the revised SOP
- Existing Units: Must upgrade operations to meet new environmental and safety norms
- PPCB: To monitor, enforce, and ensure compliance at every stage