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Guide to eco-friendly living in India — Comprehensive collection of waste sorting, EV scooters, rooftop solar power, and reuse options

By ARAZIA India Desk11 min read

Eco-Sustainable Living in India — Chandigarh Danas Lake Solar Power Plant — A solar power plant installed on Lake Danas in Chandigarh, India. India is one of the countries in the world that is transitioning to renewable energy and electrification the fastest. · Harvinder Chandigarh (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

When you live in India, you encounter the word ‘eco-friendly’ with two emotions. One is like the winter air quality in Delhi and Gurgaon.weight of realityOne is the heaviness approaching, and the other is the solar panels growing on every rooftop and the quiet passing through the alleys.Ola electric scooterIt is a noticeably faster change. India is currently one of the countries in the world undergoing a transition to renewable energy and electrification on a large scale, and a significant part of that change isChoice of individual consumers and householdsIt starts from .

This article is an eco-friendly living guide focusing on the ‘practicable scope’ for Korean expatriates and their families actually living in Delhi NCR (Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida). It's not a grand theoryThree-color recycling rules, purchase and charging of electric scooters and electric vehicles, rooftop solar power using the PM Surya Ghar scheme, and reuse of water, shopping carts, and containers.We walk you through the same everyday decisions in order.

Additionally, eco-friendly choices in India are not just about environmental awareness;Reduce fuel, electricity, and bottled water costsIt often comes with practical benefits. If you are a new family, we recommend that you check this guide once within 3 months after settling in.

01India’s three-color recycling — green, blue, and black are the principles

India revised in 2016Solid Waste Management Rules (2016)Accordingly, households are required to separate and dispose of garbage into three colors. Although this principle has become quite established in large apartment complexes in Delhi-NCR after the Swachh Bharat campaign, there are still wide variations in older low-rise residential areas and local markets. If you at least know exactly the rules of your home or apartment complex, you can greatly reduce friction with the management office.

color	division	Representative example
Green	Wet/Biodegradable Waste	Food, vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, and fallen garden leaves
Blue	Dry/Recyclable	Paper/cardboard, washed plastic, glass bottles, aluminum cans
Black	Domestic Hazardous Waste	Batteries, fluorescent lights, expired medicines, paint and pesticide residues

How are emissions actually made?

In most gated apartment complexes,A method in which cleaning staff collects two separate bins (green and blue) in front of each household door every day.Write . In many cases, black (hazardous) waste can be requested separately or collected in a designated area of the apartment complex.
In the kitchen and living roomPlace two green barrels and two blue barrels each.If you clearly inform the household helper (house helper) of the separation rules from the beginning, they will be maintained without much nagging afterwards.
Plastic, glass, and metalAfter washing and dryingPutting it in the blue bin will increase the recycling rate. If leftover food is thrown away, it essentially becomes landfill waste.

Kabadiwala — India’s unique door-to-door recycling system

In IndiaKabaddiwalaThere is a door-to-door recycling collector called . Walking through the alleys with a bicycle or bicycle or visiting an apartment complex regularlyBuy and dispose of newspapers, cardboard, plastic bottles, scrap metal, old electronics, etc. by weight.It's people. RecentlyThe Kabadiwala, ScrapUncle, RecycleBabaYou can also search through the same app or web service and submit a visit request. It is especially useful for handling paper and cardboard, which generate a lot of emissions, all at once when moving or organizing a house.

Electronic, medical, kitchen hazardous waste

E-waste: For large home appliances such as laptops, monitors, refrigerators, etc., it is safest to use the collection service of the place of purchase (Croma, Reliance Digital, Amazon, etc.). 인도는 2022년 개정 E-waste Rules로Manufacturer/Seller’s Recovery Responsibility (EPR)This has been strengthened.
expired medicine: Contact your apartment’s hazardous waste disposal box or the front desk of a large hospital. Be careful not to pour it down the sink or toilet.
kitchen waste cooking oil: An increasing number of large apartment complexes have contracts with UCO (Used Cooking Oil) collection partners, so please inquire at the management office.

If you are curious about the administrative checklist for the first 30 days of settlement,Checklist for your first 30 days in IndiaIf you are curious about the detailed characteristics of each region,Gurgaon area guideandNoida/Greater Noida GuidePlease also refer to .

Sidewalk recycling — sorting out recyclable waste — Indian solid waste management regulations are based on the principle of three color separation: green (wet), blue (dry/recycling), and black (hazardous). · Parvathisri (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons)

02Indian EV Scooter — Comparison of actual usage perspectives of Ola, TVS, Ather, Bajaj

Two-wheel electrification is the fastest growing green transition in India. In Delhi NCR alone, the market is focused on delivery app riders, commuters, and female users in their 20s and 30s.Ola S1 series, TVS iQube, Ather 450 series, Bajaj Chetak ElectricThis has become a common option. It is known to make almost no noise, has maintenance costs of 1/4 to 1/3 of internal combustion scooters, and is eligible for EV registration fee and road tax reductions in many regions, including Delhi and Gurgaon (recommended to check the notice of the relevant state transport department for the exact reduction rate).

Comparison of major models (based on manufacturer announcement)

model	Fully charged mileage (manufacturer)	Charging method	characteristic
Ola S1 Pro	Approximately 150~190km	Household 220V socket (full charge approx. 5-6 hours)	Bengaluru’s own manufacturing, smart UI and OTA update strengths
TVS iQube	About 100~140km	Home Charging + Fast Option	Traditional manufacturer reliability, extensive service network
Ather 450X / Ather 450 Apex	Approximately 110~150km	Ather Grid fast charging station available	Ather Grid own infrastructure, premium segment
Bajaj Chetak Electric	About 100~130km	home charging focus	Metal body, popular among those who prefer classic design

Be sure to check before purchasing

Subsidies and tax benefits: The central government's EV distribution scheme (FAME series) and each state government's EV policy change frequently. The exact subsidy/tax reduction rate at the time of purchase isMinistry of Heavy Industry and Energy official sitePlease check the notices from each state transportation department.
Charging environment: You must consult with the management office in advance whether there is a 220V outlet in the apartment underground parking lot and whether nighttime charging is allowed under management regulations. For villas and independent houses, it is recommended to install a separate EV-specific outlet.
Service Center Accessibility: Gurgaon, Noida, and southern Delhi (South Delhi) have official service centers for most brands, but in emerging areas such as Greater Noida and Sohana Road, there is a large difference between brands. Be sure to check whether there is an official service center within a 10km radius of your residence.
Insurance/License Plate: EVs are not exempt from registration, license plate, and liability insurance procedures. Although dealers often do this on your behalf, you must prepare the documents (address proof, PAN, Aadhaar) yourself.

The proportion of EV riders is already increasing in delivery and pickup use in Delhi and Gurgaon.How to use the life appIn the delivery apps discussed in , the quiet doorstep arrival experience is also on the rise.

India Ola Electric Scooter — Eco-friendly EV transportation in Delhi NCR — The Ola S1 series is India's representative EV scooter manufactured in Bengaluru's own factory, and can be charged using just a home outlet. · Jinoy Tom Jacob (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

03Electric vehicles (4-wheelers) — Tata, MG, Mahindra and the reality of charging infrastructure

The four-wheeled EV market isTata Motors ranks first, followed by MG (SAIC affiliate), Mahindra, Hyundai·Kia. The most commonly encountered personal EVs in Delhi NCR are:Tata Nexon EV, Tata Tiago EV, Tata Punch EV, MG ZS EV, MG Comet EV, Mahindra XUV400And in the premium demand class,Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, BYD Atto 3is also increasing little by little.

Overview of main models (based on manufacturer announcement)

model	segment	Fully charged driving distance (MIDC/manufacturer)
Tata Nexon EV(Long Range)	compact SUV	Approximately 400~465km
Tata Tiago EV	hatchback entry	Approximately 250~315km
MG ZS EV	compact SUV	Approximately 400~460km
MG Comet EV	Ultra-compact city car	About 230km
Mahindra XUV400 EV	compact SUV	Approximately 375~455km

Charging infrastructure — home charging is basic, public charging is secondary

Home charging (AC): It is cheapest and most convenient to install the 3.3kW/7.2kW wallbox provided by a dealer in your home parking lot. It is economical to buffer during times when nightly rates are lower (varies by week).
Public fast charging (DC): Tata Power EZ Charge, Statiq, ChargeZone, Ather Grid, Zeon ChargingPlease install apps from major operators in advance. Rapid transit machines are increasing at large malls in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida (DLF Mall, Ambience Mall, DLF Cyber Hub, etc.) and major highway toll plazas.
Practical Tips: When traveling long distances from Delhi to Manali, Jaipur, Agra, etc.PlugShare, ChargeMapIt is safer to use the same crowdsourcing app to check whether it actually works and check reviews before departing. The rapid transit density on local national highways is still significantly lower than in urban areas.

Things to keep in mind when purchasing

By government/stateSubsidies and road tax reliefSince policy changes occur frequently, be sure to re-check the final on-road price item on the quotation provided by the dealer just before signing the contract.
battery warrantyIt is usually at the level of '8 years or 160,000 km', but there are differences depending on the manufacturer and model. Written confirmation before contract is the rule.
premiumIt is virtually mandatory to sign up for comprehensive insurance for the first year, and an increasing number of operators are offering special contracts specifically for EVs that include battery damage coverage.

Information for emergency situations such as hospital and emergency travelIndian Hospital/Emergency Response GuideWe recommend that you check it out together.

India Tata Nexon EV — India’s representative electric vehicle model and charging infrastructure — Tata Nexon EV is the model with the largest share of the four-wheeled EV market in India, and is expanding its base with the expansion of public fast charging infrastructure in Delhi and Gurgaon. · Rajasekhar1961 (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

04Rooftop solar power — PM Surya Ghar scheme and apartment implementation in practice

India is a country that is strongly pushing solar energy expansion at the national level. In particular, announced in February 2024PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojanasince,Rooftop solar installations in general homes are noticeably increasing.This scheme targets single-family homes, villas, and low-rise apartments.Central government subsidies and low-interest financingThe key is to lower the initial burden by providing . Specific subsidy amounts and conditions are subject to frequent policy changes, so be sure toPM Surya Ghar Official PortalCheck out the latest information here.

Basic concepts of household rooftop solar power

Typical 3kW system: It is often mentioned as being large enough to cover a significant portion of the average electricity usage of a family of four. Actual power generation varies depending on local sunlight, rooftop direction, and shadows.
On-Grid methodThis standard: surplus electricity during the day is sold to the distribution company (DISCOM), and at night or on cloudy days it is supplied back from the grid.Net MeteringThis is the default. Delhi is under the jurisdiction of BSES/TPDDL, and Gurgaon and Noida are under the jurisdiction of each state DISCOM.
Start without batteries: To lower the initial investment cost, it is more realistic to consider batteries (off-grid) later. However, in areas with frequent power outages (loadshedding), small battery backup is provided.

Detached house/villa

South Delhi House, GurgaonVillas on Golf Course Road and Sohana RoadIn fact, rooftop solar power is being actively introduced in independent houses near Sector 145 in Noida. If you are a rental tenantLandlord’s written consentis absolutely necessary, and the attribution of solar power facilities and profits is usually specified in the contract.

Apartment/Condominium

High-rise apartments are not individual householdsPublic rooftop installation at RWA (Resident Representative Association) levelis common. There is a significant saving effect on public electricity (elevators, lighting, water pumps), and net metering profits are used as a source of funds to reduce management costs. If you're interested, put it on the RWA meeting agenda.MNRE Free site survey of registered companiesApplying is the first step.

Criteria for selecting an installation company

Check if the vendor is registered/certified by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
On PM Surya Ghar portalApproved Vendor ListCheck to see if it is in
Confirm in writing the brand, capacity, and warranty period of the module/inverter (typically 25 years for the module and 5-10 years for the inverter).
Specify whether net metering approval is provided on an agency basis and how long it takes.

If you are curious about the characteristics of apartments and villas in Gurgaon area,Gurgaon area guidePlease refer to .

Rooftop Solar in India — PM Surya Ghar Scheme Home Rooftop Solar Panels — Solar panels on the roof of a house in Mehsana district, Gujarat. After the Indian government's PM Surya Ghar scheme, rooftop solar power is rapidly increasing even in urban residential areas. · Nizil Shah (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

05Reuse options – water purifier, shopping cart, container, plastic replacement

The easiest area to start with in eco-friendly practices isReplacing disposable products with reusable alternativesno see. India from 2022Regulates single-use plastic for some items(straws, thin carry bags, etc.), the delivery and grocery shopping environment is also gradually changing.

1) Drinking water — 20L water bottle delivery vs RO water purifier

method	merit	disadvantage
20L brand water tank(Delivery to Bisleri, Aquafina, Kinley, etc.)	No initial cost burden, less burden when moving, recycling by returning empty containers	Delivery schedule management required, waste increases when using 500ml PET bottles together
RO household water purifier(Kent·AquaGuard·Livpure, etc.)	Almost zero consumption of disposable plastic bottles, low long-term costs	Equipment purchase and installation costs, regular filter replacement (1-2 times a year)

If you live long-termRO water purifier + stainless steel water bottleThis combination is the most environmentally friendly and economical. However, due to the nature of water quality in India,RO+UV+UF composite filteris standard, TDS (total dissolved solids) levels vary depending on region, so request a water quality test prior to installation.

2) Grocery shopping — cloth bags and folding carts

At all large supermarkets in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida (Reliance Fresh, DMart, Le Marche, Modern Bazaar, etc.)Plastic bags are sold for a feeThis is being replaced by paper bags.
Blinkit, Zepto, BigBasket, etc.Quick commerce is also increasing its use of paper boxes and recycled cardboard.Keep a collapsible shopping cart at the front door so you don't have to buy new bags every time.
In traditional markets (INA Market, Sadar Bazaar, etc.)Thin plastic bags are still common.If you bring your own cloth bag when visiting, you will be welcomed as a well-mannered guest.

The combination of online grocery apps isKorean food ingredients shopping guideIt has been summarized in detail.

3) Delivery food — take advantage of non-disposable options

Zomato and Swiggy on the ordering screen.‘Do not send cutlery’ optionProvides: If you plan to eat at home, be sure to check. You can prevent disposable cutlery and tissues from automatically arriving every time.
How to use payment and reward appsPaytm·PhonePe Detailed guidePlease refer to .

4) Household accessories and clothing — local circulation market

Due to the nature of the Korean community, where people move and return home frequently, used home appliances, furniture, and baby products are actively circulated. If you don't want to miss out on news from your community,Korean community/gathering guidePlease refer to .
Clothing made of natural materials and traditional Indian handicrafts (Khadi, cotton, Indian cotton, etc.)India Handicrafts, FabindiaYou can get it from local brands like:

06One-month roadmap to implement - Easy habits to develop in the early stages of settling down

If you practice the following steps one by one within three months after settling down, you will be able to maintain a sustainable life without much effort. If you are a couple or a family, setting rules together from the beginning will last much longer.

Week 1: Kitchen waste sorting setup— Place green bins and blue bins in the kitchen and living room, and instruct the house helper on the three-color rule. We also prepare a separate small black container to collect expired medicines, batteries, etc. and place it in the warehouse.
Week 2: Water and shopping cart infrastructure— Sign up for regular delivery of 20L branded water, or get a quote for RO water purifier installation if you plan to stay long-term. Have a foldable shopping cart and 2-3 stainless steel water bottles.
Week 3: Re-examining transportation— We examine the possibility of EV scooters and electric vehicles by analyzing actual usage patterns, such as commuting and transporting children to and from school. To the apartment management officeAvailability of EV charging outlets in underground parkingConfirming this in writing will speed up future decisions.
Week 4: Residential Energy Audit— 최근 3개월치 전기요금 고지서를 정리하고, 단독주택·빌라라면 옥상 태양광 무료 사이트 서베이를 신청합니다. If it is an apartment, check the possibility of submitting the agenda to RWA.
2nd to 3rd month: Establishment of delivery/purchase habits— In the delivery app, set the cutlery and napkin options to ‘unnecessary’ by default, and register the Kabadiwala app to create a paper and cardboard discharge routine.

If you're an expat living alone, just following half of this roadmap will significantly reduce your monthly expenses and waste. If it's a family unitDivide roles with spouse and childrenIt is more sustainable to focus on one topic at a time, such as 'EV review this month, solar energy next month'.

If you are looking for actual apartments and villas according to the characteristics of Gurgaon, Noida, and Delhi regions,A practical guide to real estate in IndiaI recommend that you also read it.

Useful tips

Place three color containers in advance in the kitchen and living room and inform the house helper.

The three-color rule of green (food), blue (recycling), and black (hazardous) takes a household helper a few days to first understand. If you visually organize your bins by color and organize them together for the first week, they will last without much maintenance thereafter.

Create a regular paper and cardboard disposal routine with the Kabadiwala app

If you make a reservation through an app such as The Kabadiwala, ScrapUncle, or RecycleBaba, newspaper, cardboard, plastic bottles, and scrap metal will be purchased by weight. For households that frequently shop online, their warehouses will become much lighter if they set up a regular discharge routine once or twice a month.

Before purchasing an EV, write to the apartment management office to confirm the presence of a ‘parking lot charging outlet’

Even if there is a 220V outlet in the underground parking lot, whether charging is allowed at night and who bears the electricity bill differs from apartment to apartment. Confirming availability and fee settlement method in writing with the management office before signing a contract can help prevent future conflicts.

Before moving a long-distance EV, re-check the status of the accelerator with PlugShare and ChargeMap

When traveling long distances from Delhi to Jaipur, Agra, or Manali by EV, check the latest user reviews using crowdsourcing apps such as PlugShare and ChargeMap in addition to the official app. Whether or not national highway rapid transit trains actually operate varies greatly from branch to branch.

Delivery apps default to the ‘no need for cutlery or napkins’ option.

If you check the ‘Do not send cutlery’ option on the Zomato/Swiggy order screen every time, you can significantly reduce the amount of disposable cutlery, tissues, and sauce packs that come with each meal at home. In most apps, you can save this as your default in your account settings.

Common pitfalls and how to solve them

Plastic and glass are discharged into the blue bin with food on them, making them virtually non-recyclable.

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Yogurt cups, plastic bottles, and glass bottles are rinsed with water once, dried, and placed in the blue container. Even kabaddiwalas are reluctant to purchase unwashed recyclables and they are disposed of as landfill waste.

EV scooter and electric vehicle subsidies and road tax reduction rates are calculated based on old internet information, and differences occur when actually contracting.

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The EV policies of the central government (FAME family) and each state government are frequently revised. Just before purchasing, be sure to double-check with the official website of the Ministry of Heavy Industry and Energy, notices from your state transportation department, and the final on-road quotation provided by the dealer.

If you install rooftop solar power in a rental house under your personal name, disputes arise over who owns the equipment and profits when the lease ends.

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Rental tenants must obtain written consent from the landlord and specify in their contract ownership of solar power equipment, responsibility for maintenance, and how to handle early termination. In practice, it is much safer for apartments to introduce RWA on a shared rooftop.

Although an RO water purifier is installed, the filter replacement cycle is excessively short as it does not match the local water quality.

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In India, regional differences in water quality (TDS/hardness) are very large. Before installation, request a water quality test (free on-site service) from the company, and receive in writing the RO+UV+UF composite specifications appropriate for your region and the filter replacement cycle and cost.

I applied for delivery of a 20L brand water bottle, but I am not aware of the empty bottle return system, so I am charged an additional bottle fee each time.

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Brand water bottles such as Bisleri, Aquafina, and Kinley have a circular structure in which empty bottles must be returned during the next delivery. When ordering for the first time, check the deposit/return policy and explicitly ask the delivery person to collect the empty container.

Latest updates

Home rooftop solar applications surge after PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli YojanaThe PM Surya Ghar scheme, announced in February 2024, combines central government subsidies and low-interest financing, leading to a significant increase in applications for household rooftop solar power, especially in Delhi NCR, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. For the exact subsidy amount and conditions, you must check the latest information on the official portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Two-wheeled EV sales in India continue to expand, driven by demand for urban delivery and commutingThe Indian electric scooter market, led by Ola Electric, TVS, Ather, and Bajaj, continues to grow among delivery riders and urban commuters. Road tax reductions in many states, including the Delhi EV policy, and expansion of charging infrastructure by local governments are supporting the expansion.
Single-use plastic regulations continue to lead to changes in delivery and retail packagingFollowing India's ban on some single-use plastics, which will take effect in 2022, large supermarkets' charging for bags and quick commerce's increased use of paper boxes are taking root. Traditional markets still vary greatly, so it is recommended to bring your own cloth bag.

FAQ

What are the color rules for household recycling in India?

According to the 2016 revised solid waste management regulations, the principle is to separate waste into three colors: green (wet/biodegradable), blue (dry/recyclable), and black (household hazardous waste). Most large apartment complexes collect green and blue bins in front of each unit's door every day, and hazardous waste is disposed of at a designated location or upon separate request.

Can I charge an EV scooter or electric vehicle in an apartment underground parking lot in India?

Each apartment has different rules. In general, it is possible to charge an EV scooter at night with a 220V outlet, but installation of a backbox (7.2kW class) for electric vehicles requires approval from the management office and RWA. Before contracting or purchasing, please check availability and electricity bill settlement method in writing.

Is the PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar scheme available to foreign renters?

The scheme itself is a program targeting residential rooftops in India, and rental occupiers must obtain written consent from their landlord. Detailed conditions of eligibility, subsidy amount, and application process are subject to frequent policy changes, so it is safe to check the latest information on the official portal at pmsuryaghar.gov.in.

Where can I find EV fast charging stations in Delhi NCR?

It is safe to use both major operators' own apps such as Tata Power EZ Charge, Statiq, ChargeZone, Ather Grid, and Zeon Charging, as well as crowdsourcing apps such as PlugShare and ChargeMap. Rapid transit speeds are increasing, especially at large malls in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida and at major highway toll plazas.

Which is more eco-friendly: 20L branded water tank or RO water purifier in India?

If you live long-term, the RO water purifier + stainless steel water bottle combination is the most eco-friendly and economical as it can virtually eliminate plastic bottle consumption. For families planning to stay short-term or move frequently, it is a good alternative to utilize the branded water bottle delivery and empty bottle return circulation system.

References & links

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (Rooftop Solar Power Official Portal)Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India (MNRE)Indian Ministry of Heavy Industries (hosted by FAME EV Scheme)Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), India Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)Delhi Swachh Bharat Mission Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India