FAQ

The Online Waste Exchange Bureau is a web-based platform that facilitates waste exchange between Waste generators (industries) and waste receivers (recyclers, utilizers, pre-processors, co-processors) in Tamil Nadu, promoting a Circular Economy. Through this portal, users can register, track waste availability, and communicate with stakeholders for waste exchange.

Waste Generators: Industries producing waste that can be reused or recycled.

Waste Receivers: Recyclers and other entities like utilizers, pre-processors, co-processors, looking to procure waste materials for use as raw materials or for processing.

The Online Waste Exchange Bureau primarily facilitates the exchange of Other Non-Hazardous solid wastes, including plastic waste, fly ash, battery waste, e-waste, cotton waste, carton boxes etc.,.

There are 4 important steps to be followed for Generators and Receivers.

The waste generators and the waste receivers can get registered in the Online Waste exchange Bureau website (https://tnpcb.gov.in/owems/ ). The registration is simple and requires details such as company name, contact information, industry type, waste-related information, etc.

For step-by-step instructions, please refer to the Guidance Manual for generator and Guidance Manual for Receiver sections on the Online Waste Exchange Bureau portal. Also, refer About option to understand the process flow.

Yes, email verification is mandatory for any user. After submitting their application, the website requires the user to verify their email address by entering a one-time password (OTP) sent to their email. The TNPCB OWEB Team considers only profiles with verified email addresses for review of their application.

After submitting your application, the user will need to wait for the review and approval from the OWEB Team, TNPCB. Once your registration is approved, the user will be notified via registered email.

No. Registration on this platform is only for listing the waste products and access the platform and it does not imply TNPCB’s approval under the Water Act, Air Act, or under any other rules under the Environment (Protection) Act. Industries must obtain separate approvals and consents as required by law for their operation, waste generation, handling and disposal.

Once a waste generator is registered with the Online Waste Exchange Bureau website, they can post their waste details by following these steps:

1. Log in to your account on the website.
2. Click on the "Create Waste Availability" option located at the top of the profile.
3. Enter details such as waste type, quantity, and other relevant information.
4. Upload clear photographs of the waste.
5. Submit the post to make it visible to potential buyers or recyclers.

Once registered as a Waste Receiver on the Online Waste Exchange Bureau website, follow these steps:

1. Browse Listings – Explore available waste posts.
2. Search Waste – Search your waste types that match your requirements.
3. View Details – Click on a listing to see detailed information and images.
4. Express Interest – If a listing matches your needs, click "I am interested" to notify the waste generator.

Once the "I am interested" notification is received:

1. Make Contact – The Generator and Receiver may connect to discuss the transaction.
2. Discuss Terms – Negotiate about waste type, price, transportation, and handling details.
3. Finalize Agreement – Ensure all regulatory compliances and required documents are in place. (Read Disclaimer)
4. Create Manifest – Generate a waste manifest on the website with mutual approval.
5. Complete Transaction – Send/receive the waste as per agreed terms and verify compliance.

No. The Online Waste Exchange Bureau is a free service provided by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), to encourage waste management and sustainability and to promote the circular economy.

No, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board does not set prices nor regulate or intervene in financial transactions related to waste exchange on the website. All commercial aspects, including transportation and processing costs, are solely determined and managed by the waste generators and receivers.

Yes, the platform is open to industries of all sizes, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as long as they are registered and comply with TNPCB and Central Pollution Control Board regulations.

The Online Waste Exchange Bureau is exclusively for waste generators and receivers within Tamil Nadu as of now.

Participation in the Online Waste Exchange Bureau is voluntary. However, industries are encouraged to join to effectively meet their environmental compliance goals, reduce waste disposal burdens, promote the circular economy, and contribute to sustainability initiatives promoted by the TNPCB.

Currently, there is no dedicated mobile app, but the Online Waste Exchange Bureau website is mobile-friendly and accessible on any device for a seamless user experience.

Visit the official website of the Online Waste Exchange Bureau portal for detailed guidelines, tutorials, and updates.

Waste generators and receivers are solely responsible for independently verifying regulatory compliance, the suitability of waste trading, and the credentials of participating entities before entering into any agreements.

The responsibility for obtaining all necessary approvals, authorizations, EPR registrations lies entirely with waste generators and receivers. They must ensure valid consents, authorizations, and other regulatory approvals from TNPCB and relevant authorities such as EPR Registration from CPCB etc., for waste generation, handling, storage, transportation, and disposal, in accordance with applicable laws and rules.

No. The TNPCB - Online Waste Exchange Bureau is not responsible for the quality, legality, price, or accuracy of any listed waste products.

All users of the platform must comply with:

• Provisions of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as amended.
• Provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 as amended.
• Provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as amended.
• The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 as amended.
• All other relevant rules notified under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, as amended.
• Guidelines and Directions issued by the CPCB and TNPCB from time to time with respect to the waste management.