Revised CPCB SOPs for Tyre Pyrolysis Units Now Mandatory

Introduction

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued strict directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, requiring all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) to comply with the revised Tyre Pyrolysis SOP Compliance. These updated guidelines aim to ensure cleaner operations, safety, and environmental compliance across India’s pyrolysis industry. As tyre recycling continues to grow, especially in the circular economy context, aligning with these new Advanced Batch Automated Process (ABAP) standards is no longer optional—it’s mandatory.

Why Were the SOPs Revised?

The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 empower CPCB to regulate and guide hazardous waste management. Following observations from ambient air quality studies and National Green Tribunal (NGT) directions, CPCB revised its SOPs on January 16, 2024, for TPO units to minimize emissions, improve automation, and enhance safety protocols.

Scope of the Revised SOPs

The revised SOPs apply to units engaged in:

Recycling of waste tyres
Recovery of Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO)
Recovery of Pyro Gas and Char

Only specific technologies are permitted based on plant capacity and process type.

Key Technical Requirements for Tyre Pyrolysis SOP Compliance

1. Capacity Restrictions

ABAP Units up to 60 TPD (tonnes per day) allowed per premises.
Above 60 TPD, only continuous process units permitted.

2. Automation and Control

All TPO units must include:

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for process automation
Bypass line from reactor to condenser
Pyro gas flaring system for emergency use
Temperature, pressure gauges at all critical points
Gas fire alarm system
Nitrogen gas purging system
Water sprinklers and suction hoods
Char and steel scrap removal mechanisms

Safety and Environmental Justifications

The shift to ABAP was driven by findings that:

Traditional batch processes had a higher risk of emissions and accidents.
ABAP and continuous processes showed no significant impact on ambient air quality.
Mechanical automation reduces manual handling risks and enhances workplace safety.

CPCB’s Directives to SPCBs/PCCs

CPCB issued repeated communications (January and March 2024) to enforce the SOP. Due to slow response, CPCB now mandates the following under Section 5:

Implement Revised SOPs for all TPO units without exception.
Verify and report the compliance status of all units in your jurisdiction.
Conduct annual compliance inspections as TPO units fall under Orange Category.
Submit action taken reports within 15 days from receiving the direction.

Responsibilities for Industry Operators: Tyre Pyrolysis SOP Compliance

If you operate a Tyre Pyrolysis Unit, here’s what you must do:

Upgrade your plant to ABAP or continuous process, depending on capacity.
Install all prescribed safety systems (PLC, sensors, alarms, etc.).
Maintain daily logs and automation data for audit purposes.
Coordinate with SPCBs for inspection and approvals.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to adopt these revised SOPs can lead to:

Closure of operations
Environmental compensation under the Hazardous Waste Rules
Legal actions under the Environment Protection Act
Loss of operating license or renewal refusal

Conclusion: Tyre Pyrolysis SOP Compliance

The CPCB’s revised SOPs for Tyre Pyrolysis Oil units are a bold and necessary step to modernize the waste tyre recycling industry. By enforcing automation, emission controls, and safety protocols, India moves closer to sustainable, clean, and circular waste processing. All stakeholders, from industry to regulators, must act swiftly and decisively to comply. The deadline isn’t flexible. The environmental and legal stakes are high.