Overview of Extended Producer Responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) can be implemented in various forms that include product take-back requirements, economic and market-based instruments, regulations and performance standards, and information-based instruments. EPR can create various environmental, economic, and social benefits, including improved waste collection and treatment, higher rates of waste reuse and recycling, incentivizing greener products, helping to finance waste collection and processing, ensuring higher quality secondary raw materials, job creation, and reduced health risks from mismanaged waste.

Aim of Extended Producer Responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) aims to make sure that product manufacturers are made financially responsible for many parts of the life cycle of their products, including take-back, recycling, and final disposal at the end of their useful life. In this way, it aims to apply what is often known as the "polluter pays principle." EPR is typically used for specific waste product streams such as small consumer electronics, packaging, and batteries.

Fact Check

• • a)       Extended Producer Responsibility is not Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - It is part of sustainable business practice.

    b)       Extended Producer Responsibility is a fundamental shift from end-of-life to pollution prevention to next-generation.

    c)       Extended Producer Responsibility is basically a product policy (impacts of products are pre-determined).

    d)       Extended Producer Responsibility formalizes the waste sector by setting up financial cost standards and environmental standards.

Business and Extended Producer Responsibility

By implementing EPR, businesses can make a significant contribution to the transition to a circular economy by reducing the environmental impacts of their products and services and helping to address the problems associated with trade in waste to developing countries with inadequate waste infrastructures.

Business Benefits of EPR

a)       Meeting mandatory national recycling and collection targets.

b)       Shifting towards more circular and more competitive business models.

c)       Potential cost savings by creating cost-effective solutions for the collection and recycling of end-of-life products.

d)       Supporting the development and improvement of waste and recycling industries, which are also associated with high employment potential.

Extended Producer Responsibility and Government

Governments, at both the national and regional/local levels, play a crucial role in supporting and promoting EPR. By developing the necessary policy and legislation, they can create the right conditions for well-functioning EPR schemes. Governments also engage and support other stakeholders, including businesses, waste management companies, the informal sector, and the public, in the implementation of EPR to ensure its success.

Government Benefits of EPR

a)       Supporting the transition to a circular economy by increasing waste collection, reuse, and recycling.

b)       Reducing costs to the government by ensuring producers and businesses contribute financially to waste management.

Current Regulations on EPR

Sl no.	Type of Waste	Rules currently governing waste management
1	Lead Acid Batteries	Batteries Waste Management Rules 2022 (BWM Rules 2022)
2	Electronic waste	E-Waste Management Rules 2022 (EWM Rules 2022)
3	Plastic and plastic packaging	Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022
4	Solid waste	Solid Waste Management (Amendment) Rule 2020
5	Hazardous waste, including waste tyres	Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2022
6	Construction and debris waste	Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules 2016
7	Bio-medical waste	Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules 2016

Challenges of Extended Producer Responsibility

1. Lack of Knowledge

Many stakeholders, including producers, consumers, and local authorities, remain unaware of their responsibilities under EPR.

2. Lack of Mechanisms for Collection and Segregation

Efficient waste management requires robust collection and segregation systems, which are often underdeveloped or missing.

3. Financial Restrictions

Small and medium-sized enterprises face financial difficulties in covering the costs of EPR implementation, including investments in recycling facilities and awareness programs.

4. Regulation and Adherence

Navigating the complexities of EPR regulations, which may vary between jurisdictions, can be challenging for both producers and regulatory bodies, leading to confusion and potential non-compliance.

Types of Extended Producer Responsibility

1. Extended Producer Responsibility and Batteries

Producers and manufacturers of batteries must register with the CPCB via an online portal. The registration process involves document verification and is valid for five years.

Documents Required

a)       Company GST Certificate

b)       PAN Card of the company

c)       Corporate Identification Number (CIN)

d)       Consent issued by SPCBs/PCCs (if applicable)

e)       Import Export Certificate (for importers)

f)        District Industries Center (DIC) registration (if applicable)

2. Extended Producer Responsibility and E-Waste

E-waste includes discarded electronic and electrical items and contains both valuable and hazardous materials. Producers must obtain authorization from the SPCB, which is valid for five years.

3. Extended Producer Responsibility and Plastic

Producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) must manage plastic waste through recycling, re-use, or environmentally safe disposal methods.

Categories of Plastic Packaging

a)       Rigid plastic packaging

b)       Flexible plastic packaging (single or multilayer)

c)       Multilayered plastic packaging

d)       Compostable plastic packaging

4. Extended Producer Responsibility and Solid Waste

Solid waste includes domestic and commercial waste and must be managed under the Solid Waste Management Rules.

Documents Required for Authorization

a)       Site clearance from the local body

b)       Environmental clearance proof

c)       Consent for establishment

d)       Agreement with municipal authority

5. Extended Producer Responsibility and Bio-Medical Waste

Biomedical waste includes waste generated from medical facilities. Authorization is granted by the SPCB and requires annual reporting.

6. Extended Producer Responsibility and Construction and Demolition Waste

The management of construction and demolition waste is governed by specific rules to ensure proper segregation, recycling, and disposal.

7. Extended Producer Responsibility and Tyre

Producers and recyclers of waste tyres must register with the CPCB, and non-compliance may result in environmental compensation.

Benefits of Extended Producer Responsibility

How Faszeal Can Assist You

Faszeal provides organizations with comprehensive support throughout the EPR registration process.

Our Services

a)       Managing compliance responsibilities like record-keeping and quarterly reporting.

b)       Fast delivery of Extended Producer Responsibility Authorization.

c)       Assistance with preparing EPR documentation and offering expert guidance.