Kartick Nagpal, founder of Rosmerta Recycling, is a pioneering force in India’s evolving auto recycling landscape. With a background in automotive collaboration across OEMs and regulatory bodies, he now leads efforts to formalize End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) recycling. Through his state-of-the-art RVSF in Delhi/National Capital Region (NCR), he’s championing sustainable practices, policy advocacy, and industry integration, driving India toward a more structured, tech-enabled, and eco-conscious vehicle disposal ecosystem.
Auto Industry Roots
My journey in the automotive industry has been quite a ride, evolving from working closely with OEMs, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to now focusing on auto recycling. The shift was natural; India needed a structured and environmentally responsible approach to vehicle disposal, and we wanted to be at the forefront of making that happen.
Over the last few years, we’ve been actively processing End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), learning from global best practices by studying recycling models in countries like Japan, the EU, the USA and China. Based on this, we set up a state-of-the-art Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) in the Delhi/NCR region, fully compliant with AIS 129 and aligned with both national and global standards.
Beyond operations, I’m deeply involved in industry associations and policy discussions, working to formalize and expand India’s auto recycling ecosystem. The industry is still in its early stages, and we’re tackling issues like collection inefficiencies, regulatory gaps, and infrastructure bottlenecks. Our goal is to create a structured, technology-driven recycling framework that benefits both vehicle owners and the environment.
Why India’s Auto Recycling Travels Further: Challenges in ELV Collection
With a collection radius of 200–300 km, far greater than the 50 km typical in other countries, India’s auto recycling operations face unique challenges. What drives this disparity, and how can it be resolved?
This is one of the biggest challenges we face. Unlike other countries where ELV volumes are concentrated, we often have to collect vehicles from much farther distances. The reasons for this include:
- Awareness & Regulations: Many vehicle owners don’t fully understand the benefits of formal recycling, and enforcement of ELV disposal rules varies across states.
- Informal Market Dominance: A large chunk of vehicle disposal still happens in the informal sector, where cash transactions and unregulated dismantling are common.
- Geographic & Policy Differences: For example, NCR has strict regulations on older diesel and petrol vehicles, but these vehicles often get sold to other regions where they can still be used, reducing local scrapping volumes.
- Infrastructure Gaps: While RVSFs and Automated Testing Stations (ATS) are growing, coverage is still limited. The delays in making ATS testing mandatory have also slowed down vehicle retirements.
To fix this, we need stronger enforcement, incentives for formal recycling, and a better infrastructure network to reduce the cost and complexity of collecting ELVs.
Bringing India’s Informal Recyclers into the Formal Fold
The informal sector has decades of experience, strong local sourcing networks, and plays a key role in the current system. But they operate without environmental safeguards and labor protections, which is a major concern.
Instead of just shutting them down through enforcement, we need to bring them into the fold through:
- Partnerships with RVSFs & OEMs: Informal players can be engaged in vehicle collection, dismantling, or parts recovery and can be formally integrated as a part of the supply chain under a regulated framework.
- Training & Upskilling Programs: Formalizing their skills and offering employment opportunities in RVSFs can create a win-win situation.
A balanced approach, combining regulation with incentives, will be key to making this transition smooth and sustainable.
How OEMs Are Adapting to India’s Recycling Mandate
OEMs are still figuring out the best way to meet these new obligations. Many are reaching out to us, visiting RVSFs, and assessing our processes. They’re particularly focused on understanding how EPR credits will work within the CPCB framework and how much budget they’ll need to allocate.
One major challenge is the supply-demand mismatch; there aren’t enough ELVs entering formal channels yet to meet the anticipated demand for recycled materials. For the system to work efficiently, OEMs need to actively support vehicle collection, build cost-effective reverse logistics, and collaborate with recyclers and the informal sector.
It’s a work in progress, but we’re seeing positive engagement from the OEM side.
The Untapped Potential of Used Auto Parts in India
The potential is huge, but there are hurdles to overcome. Indian consumers are cost-conscious, and there’s strong demand for affordable spare parts. However, the market for used parts isn’t structured yet due to:
- Lack of Regulatory Clarity: We need clear guidelines on which parts can be resold and under what conditions.
- Quality & Safety Concerns: Without a proper testing and certification system, customers hesitate to buy second-hand parts.
- OEM Involvement: Automakers could play a big role by supporting certified refurbished parts programs, similar to Europe and the U.S.
- Distribution Networks: Digital marketplaces for used auto parts can help connect sellers and buyers, making the process more transparent.
If we put the right regulations and industry support in place, this could become a significant revenue stream for recyclers while reducing waste.
India’s Auto Recycling Industry Set for a Decade of Transformation
The industry is at a turning point, and over the next decade, we’ll see massive changes driven by regulations, market demand, and technology. Key trends include:
- Stronger Regulations & EPR Expansion: More enforcement around ELV disposal, mandatory recycling targets, and increased OEM responsibility.
- Growth of RVSFs & OEM Scrapping Centers: More formal recycling facilities will come up across the country.
- Rise in Spare Parts Reuse & Recycled Material Demand: The second-hand parts market will grow, and steel, aluminum, and plastic manufacturers will start integrating recycled materials into their supply chains.
- Technology Integration: AI, robotics, and blockchain will improve efficiency and traceability in the recycling process.
- Consumer Incentives & Awareness: Government-backed scrapping incentives and increased trust in recycled parts will encourage more vehicle owners to use formal channels.
Overall, we’re moving towards a more structured, technology-driven, and environmentally responsible recycling industry in India. The transition won’t be instant, but with the right collaborations between the government, OEMs, and recyclers, we can build a globally benchmarked ecosystem for ELV recycling.
Visit Rosmerta Recycling
All images courtesy of Rosmerta Recycling
