What is EPR?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a regulatory policy where producers (manufacturers, importers, and brand owners) are accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly managing plastic waste. EPR emphasizes the collection, recycling, and responsible disposal of plastic packaging waste.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), spearheads the regulation and implementation of EPR in India. This initiative is essential for reducing plastic pollution and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

EPR Guidelines Under Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016

The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 mandate that Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) must process their plastic packaging waste through recycling, re-use, or advanced disposal methods such as waste-to-energy, plastic-to-oil, roadmaking, or industrial composting.

On February 16, 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change introduced the ‘Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility for Plastic Packaging’ as part of Schedule II of the Rules. These guidelines require PIBOs to register through the centralized CPCB portal. Businesses operating in more than two states must register with CPCB, while others must use respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).

The EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging, developed by CPCB, enhances accountability, traceability, and transparency in meeting EPR obligations. The portal includes features for PIBO and PWP registration, EPR certificate management, and real-time monitoring. Currently, modules for “Registration of PIBOs,” “Registration of PWPs,” and “Generation & Transfer of EPR Certificates” are operational, with additional modules being integrated soon.

CPCB Guidelines for EPR in Plastic Waste

The CPCB guidelines ensure efficient implementation of EPR for plastic packaging by focusing on:

1. EPR Registration and Compliance

   • PIBOs must register and renew their EPR compliance annually.
   • Submit action plans for plastic waste collection and recycling.

2. Plastic Waste Collection Targets

   • Establish collection and recycling targets based on market volumes.
   • Ensure compliance with EPR obligations and encourage post-consumer recycling.

3. Plastic Waste Management Plan

   • Collaborate with certified waste processors, recyclers, and collection agencies.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

   • Report waste management activities via the centralized EPR portal.
   • Utilize the portal for real-time tracking and transparency.

Impact of EPR Implementation

• Reduction in Plastic Pollution: Promotes plastic recycling and minimizes waste.
• Circular Economy: Encourages re-use and resource optimization.
• Corporate Accountability: Obligates producers, importers, and brand owners to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Conclusion

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, is a pivotal initiative for sustainable plastic waste management in India. The centralized EPR portal reinforces compliance, monitoring, and environmental accountability.

For more insights on EPR guidelines or plastic waste management, contact us.