EPR registration for Plastic Waste Management Rule in India

EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) registration for plastic waste is mandated for manufacturers, importers, bulk consumers, brand owners of plastic packaging and its associated products. The EPR registration can be supervised by the CPCB's and government of India. The Plastic Waste Management Rules mandate the production of plastic waste to take initiatives to minimize production of plastic waste and ensure proper recycling waste at source to reduce harmful impact on environment. Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) are obligated have to register for EPR with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Plastic waste producer shall also have to register with the authorised State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). 

The Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWM), 2016, was introduced by government of India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Plastic waste rules were aimed at addressing the growing environment concern due to plastic waste and promoting responsible management and disposal of plastic waste with of Extended Producer Responsibility.

CPCB role in EPR compliance

1. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is authorised government board for regulating and auditing the companies applicable for obtaining the EPR notification. 

2. The EPR Authorization from CPCB ensures the collection, treatment, transportation, storage, disposal, or recycling of plastic waste in a responsible way that doesn’t harm the surroundings and the general public. 

3. The EPR Registration in India is targeting the entire product chain, which includes the production processes and the environmental characteristics of the product.

4. CPCB is the authorized agency for verifying and auditing the companies under the EPR applicability in India. The EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging provides provision for registration of PIBOs/ PWPS according to the notified EPR Guidelines

Benefits of EPR registration for Plastic Waste Management

The benefits of EPR registration for plastic waste management are as follows:

1. Proper waste management: EPR registration ensures proper product lifecycle management and provides access to a comprehensive framework for cost-effective waste management.

2. Recognition: EPR Targets promotes recycling which plays an important role in Swachh Bharat Mission. Scrap dealers and Recyclers earn recognition in the larger market.

3. Improved goodwill: EPR authorization encourages producers, importers and brand owners to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products. By implementing effective waste management responsibilities, such as proper recycling and proper disposal, EPR Registration and compliances helps in reducing pollution and minimize the strain on natural resources

4. Access to a decisive framework: EPR registration ensures effective management of e-waste with low cost.

5. Better coordination: EPR Registration enables firms to identify weak links within the waste supply chain and make it more well-organized.

6. Ecological Restoration: Alternative ways to consume less plastic. A complete product life cycle is built up from manufacturing to processing plastic, thus reducing environmental degradation caused by plastic waste.

EPR compliance target in India

The EPR compliance target is set to 70% by 2023 in India. The focus of the EPR registration in India is laying down responsibilities and targets on producer’s pf plastic. Provision to penalize PIBOs for missing their targets as stated in the form of environmental compensation and carrying forward their unfulfilled targets may work in increasing EPR compliance. Manufacturers, brand owners, importers of plastic products are mandated to fulfill certain obligations under the EPR framework, including:

1. The EPR policy in India is targeting the whole product chain, which includes the environmental characteristics of the product and the production processes of such plastic packaging and associated product.

2. The work done by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on the EPR implementation has been praiseworthy. However, the massive task of trying of aligning the entire nation into the EPR scheme is a challenging task. 

3. Establishing a collection system for the plastic waste generated from their products.

4. Tying up with waste management agencies to ensure proper collection, segregation, transportation, and recycling of plastic waste.

5. Meeting specific recycling targets as set by the regulatory authorities.

6. Submitting periodic annual reports in accordance with the quantity of plastic waste collected and recycled.

By implementing the EPR regulation, the government aims to minimize the burden on local municipalities and improve the waste management in the country.

In Nutshell: 

EPR registration for plastic waste is initiative towards environment, its successful implementation depends on effective collaboration between importers, producers, bulk consumers, brand owners, etc. The EPR registration requires producers and brand owners to establish systems for the collection, separation, transportation, and recycling of plastic waste generated from their products. This approach not only helps in reducing the burden on local municipalities but also promotes a more efficient and organized plastic waste recycling process. To obtain the EPR Registration and fulfil Recycling Target, you can contact ASC Group. ASC Group is the leading certified EPR Consultant assisting 2000+ companies in EPR compliance matters.