WHAT IS EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR)?
As per Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the responsibility of the Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) for the environmentally sound management of the products until the end of its life. Under PWM Rules, EPR is applicable on plastic packaging only and not on plastic products.
Is it Applicable to Your Company?
Yes, if You Are a:
"Producer": entity engaged in manufacturing of plastic packaging material
"Importer": entity or person engaged in import of such material
"Brand owner": entity or person who sells any commodity packed in plastic under a registered brand label
“Plastic Waste Processor”: Recyclers /Entities engaged in plastic waste Processing for End-of-life Disposal or Industrial Composting.
HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR PWM/EPR REGISTRATION?
CPCB has developed an online portal as per the guideline of PWM (Amendment) Rules 2022 for PWM/EPR registration and annual returns filing. You can connect with us for your EPR registration on the CPCB portal.
WHAT TO DO AFTER RECEIVING PWM REGISTRATION?
Under EPR, PIBOs shall work out modalities for a waste collection system based on EPR and channelisation of the collected waste to recycling facilities involving State Urban Development Departments, either individually or collectively, through their own distribution channel, through a different Waste Management Agency, or through the local body concerned.
The collection needs to be done according to the plastic category-wise:
- Category I: Rigid plastic packaging;
- Category II: Flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multi-layer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets or like and covers made of plastic sheets, carry bags, plastic sachet or pouches;
- Category III: Multilayered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic);
- Category IV: Plastic sheet or like used for packaging as well as carry bags made of compostable plastics.
Greenovate is a government-empowered waste management agency and can help offset EPR liability under the Plastic Waste Management Rule of 2016.