Eco Recycling Limited (ECORECO), a prominent player in the e-waste recycling industry, has announced significant changes to its leadership and compliance team. The company's Board of Directors has approved key appointments that are set to strengthen its governance structure and environmental expertise.

New Independent Director Brings Environmental Expertise

Dr. Yeshwant Sontakke has been appointed as an Additional Director in the capacity of a Non-Executive, Independent Director for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval. Dr. Sontakke's appointment, effective from August 26, 2025, brings a wealth of experience in environmental protection to ECORECO's board.

With a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology and over 27 years of experience in environmental pollution control, Dr. Sontakke is expected to provide valuable insights to the company's operations. His background includes serving as Joint Director at the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board's (MPCB) Water Pollution Control Division, which aligns well with ECORECO's focus on sustainable e-waste management.

New Secretarial Auditor Appointed

In a move to enhance its compliance framework, ECORECO has appointed CS Neha Poddar as the new Secretarial Auditor for a five-year term, starting from the financial year 2025-26 to 2029-30. This appointment is also subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

CS Poddar, a practicing company secretary from Kolkata, brings over a decade of experience in corporate laws, SEBI regulations, and compliance services. Her expertise spans across sectors including banking, financial services, and infrastructure, making her well-equipped to handle ECORECO's secretarial audit requirements.

Changes in Secretarial Audit

The appointment of CS Poddar follows the resignation of M/s KPUB & Co., the previous Secretarial Auditor. KPUB & Co. cited pre-occupations in other assignments as the reason for their departure, effective August 26, 2025.

Upcoming Annual General Meeting

ECORECO has scheduled its 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) for September 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. IST. The AGM will be conducted through video conference or other audio-visual means, ensuring shareholder participation while adhering to potential health and safety guidelines.

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

The company has confirmed that Dr. Sontakke has not been debarred from holding the office of Director by SEBI or any other authority, ensuring compliance with listing regulations. This transparency in appointments underscores ECORECO's commitment to good corporate governance practices.

These strategic appointments and changes come at a time when environmental concerns and corporate governance are increasingly in focus. With its strengthened leadership and compliance team, Eco Recycling Limited appears well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of e-waste management and corporate responsibilities in the coming years.

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that environmental regulatory bodies, such as Pollution Control Boards, have the authority to impose and collect fines from polluters under the Water and Air Acts. This ruling is expected to have significant implications for the e-waste management sector, particularly benefiting companies like Eco Recycling Limited (Ecoreco).

Key Points of the Supreme Court Ruling

• Environmental regulatory bodies can exercise quasi-judicial powers and levy environmental compensation for potential or actual environmental damage.
• The ruling overturned a previous Delhi High Court decision.
• Fines imposed are classified as 'compensatory' rather than 'penal.'
• The decision strengthens the 'Polluter Pays' principle in environmental governance.

Impact on the E-Waste Management Sector

The verdict is particularly significant for India's e-waste management industry, which faces challenges with informal recycling practices. According to industry data:

• India generates over 1 million tons of e-waste annually.
• Approximately 85% of this e-waste is managed informally.

Eco Recycling Limited: Positioned for Growth

Eco Recycling Limited (Ecoreco), India's first BSE-listed e-waste recycling company, stands to benefit from this ruling. The company, which is authorized by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), provides end-to-end e-waste management services.

B K Soni, Chairman of Ecoreco, commented on the verdict: "This landmark verdict is a welcome step towards strengthening India's environmental governance. By empowering regulatory bodies to enforce compliance, the judgement paves the way for greater accountability and a faster transition to formal, responsible recycling—particularly in critical sectors like e-waste."

Ecoreco's Strategic Advantages

1. Pan-India network for e-waste collection and management
2. Advanced mobile recycling units
3. Investments in lithium-ion battery recycling
4. End-to-end services including reverse logistics, IT asset disposition, and data destruction
5. Compliance with Environmental Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations

Industry Outlook

The Supreme Court's decision is expected to accelerate the shift towards licensed recyclers in the e-waste management industry. As regulatory pressure increases on informal handlers, companies like Ecoreco are well-positioned to handle increased volumes and onboard more producers, corporate clients, and government agencies seeking compliant recycling solutions.

This ruling marks a significant step in India's journey towards sustainable industrial practices and circular economy transformation. For Ecoreco and other compliant players in the e-waste management sector, it represents not just a regulatory tailwind but also a validation of their commitment to innovative and technology-led environmental solutions.