What is the current recycling rate for used beverage cartons in India according to the TERI study?

The TERI study shows a recycling rate of 63.66% in 24 surveyed cities, translating to an estimated 48% nationally.

Which Indian cities have the highest recycling rates for beverage cartons?

Cities like Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru are noted for their very high recycling rates due to strong collection and recycler networks.

What are TERI's recommendations to further improve carton recycling in India?

TERI suggests innovating recycled products, strengthening waste dealer networks, enhancing paper mill capacity, promoting source segregation, and reinforcing EPR policies.

Home / Environment / India's Carton Recycling Soars to 63.66%!

India's Carton Recycling Soars to 63.66%!

4 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Recycling rates increased from 29% in 2011 to 63.66% in 2025.
India's national recycling rate for cartons reached 48%.
Cities like Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru lead recycling efforts.

India's Carton Recycling Soars to 63.66%!

India has achieved a remarkable milestone in waste management, with its used beverage carton (UBC) recycling rate more than doubling over the last decade. The latest study from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) reveals an impressive increase from 29% in 2011 to 63.66% in 24 surveyed cities by 2025. This surge translates to an estimated national recycling rate of 48%, indicating that nearly half of all beverage cartons are now being recycled.

This progress is largely a result of concerted efforts by organizations like Tetra Pak and the broader industry, focusing on enhanced collection infrastructure, strategic partnerships with recyclers, and impactful consumer awareness campaigns. The study highlights cities like Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru as exemplars, benefiting from strong collection centers and dedicated recycler networks. The growth in pure stream recycling further underscores the strengthening of dedicated collection and recycling systems nationwide.