All You Need To Know About EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)

Introduction

Brand owners have the greatest control over the design of any product. The advantage or benefit of the EPR framework is that it shifts the responsibility of managing waste from the government to private industries. One with the sole objective of shifting the responsibility of products from municipalities and customers to producers. This concept was first used in Sweden and was introduced in India through E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 on a voluntary basis. The advantage or benefit of the EPR framework is that it shifts the responsibility of managing waste from the government to private industries. EPR Registration is a crucial step for companies to comply with these regulations.

Understanding EPR and PIBOs

In India, EPR is a mandatory legal compliance.

• EPR for E-Waste
• EPR for Plastic Waste
• EPR for Tyre Waste
• EPR for Baterry Waste
• EPR for Used Oil0

Regulatory Bodies

Regulatory Bodies

Various legislations along with their ancillary rules and regulations are put in place for the effective administration of the EPR framework in India. Waste Management Rules for each EPR category have been formed to provide comprehensive guidelines for EPR management and fulfillment of producer responsibilities. The major regulatory bodies for EPR in India are:

• PCBs (Pollution Control Boards): CPCB and SPCB, both play the major role in regulating EPR in their respective jurisdictions.
• Government Ministries: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) also play crucial roles in the development and effective implementation of the EPR framework.

Benefits of EPR Registration

There are numerous benefits of the EPR framework, some of them are as follows:

• Environmental Benefits: The foremost benefit of the EPR is the protection of the environment. Various environmental benefits of EPR are:
  • Reduced pollution and waste generation
  • Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
  • Reduces Plastic & Other Waste Generation
  • Lowers the water and soil pollution levels
  • Promotes Reusing and Recycling
  • Help in achieving sustainable development
  • Saving of natural resources
  • Through EPR recycling of generated waste and used products becomes more effective and convenient.
• Through EPR recycling of generated waste and used products becomes more effective and convenient.
• EPR is employment generation, as it requires the setting up of recycling plants, maintenance of machinery, management of plant and staff, transportation, and collection of generated waste. It offers innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities as well.