Integration of the Informal Sector in Plastic Waste Management for a Circular Economy in India

India’s rapid accumulation of plastic waste indicates that the current waste management system is struggling to address the challenges of dealing with low-value, multi layered, and contaminated plastics. Despite introducing and expanding new rules and responsibilities for plastic waste producers, problems persist in the country. At the same time, waste pickers, itinerant buyers, and scrap dealers handle the bulk of plastic recovery, even though their work is not recognized or incorporated into official policies. It looks at the possibility of including the informal sector in decentralized catalytic pyrolysis systems to boost the circular management of plastic waste in India. The author’s thesis findings and available literature from 2020 to 2025 inform the analysis carried out in the paper in this field. It becomes clear that catalytic pyrolysis can help with the processing of plastic types that informal collectors usually do not want. Informal workers would be key in providing feedstock to decentralised pyrolysis units if provided with proper support and incentives from the institutions. Still, the association of these EPR and Waste systems is hampered by unclear regulations, no broad technological standard, and leaving out informal players in the credits. All in all, effective change in India’s plastic waste situation depends on inclusive policies, teamwork, and open connections in the value chain. It should always make sure that technological changes help to include everyone for the best and lasting results.