EPR Obligations and Requirements under the Plastic Waste Management Rules

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) registration is a process under the Plastic Waste Management Rules that places the responsibility for managing plastic waste generated from a producer's products on the producer. Government of India has made mandatory to obtain EPR Registration for the producers, importer, brand owners and bulk consumer of Plastic waste and its associated products.

Who Needs to Register for EPR?

As per the Plastic Waste Management Rules, any person who produces, manufactures, or sells plastic carry bags, multi-layered plastic pouches, or sachets must register for EPR. This includes producers, importer, brand owners, bulk consumer, and e-commerce companies selling these products in India.

In this article, we will discuss the EPR obligations and requirements under the Plastic Waste Management Rules.

• Collection and Channelization of Plastic Waste: EPR registered producers must channelize and collect the plastic waste generated from their products and ensure its safe disposal. They must also establish an appropriate system to collect plastic waste from various sources such as municipal authorities, retailers, and bulk consumers.

• Recycling and Disposal: EPR registered producers are responsible for ensuring the effective recycling of plastic waste generated from their products. They must also dispose of any residual plastic waste in an environmentally sustainable manner.

• Awareness and Education: EPR registered producers must create awareness and educate the public, including consumers, retailers, and bulk consumers, about plastic waste management and the importance of segregating plastic waste.

• Financial Contribution: EPR registered producers must contribute financially towards the development of an efficient plastic waste management system. They must deposit a financial contribution with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) as per the prescribed rates.

• Reporting and Documentation: EPR registered producers must maintain records and submit periodical reports to the CPCB or SPCB, providing details on the plastic waste generated, collected, and recycled. The records must be maintained for a period of five years and made available for inspection by the concerned authorities.

• Implementation Plan: EPR registered producers must develop an implementation plan outlining their commitments to managing plastic waste generated from their products. The plan must include details on the collection, recycling, and disposal of plastic waste, financial contribution, and awareness and education initiatives.

• Compliance: EPR registered producers must comply with the guidelines laid down in the Plastic Waste Management Rules and any directions issued by the CPCB or SPCB. Non-compliance can result in penalties or cancellation of registration.

Conclusion:

EPR registered producers play a crucial role in managing plastic waste generated from their products. They have significant obligations and responsibilities, including the collection and channelization of plastic waste, recycling and disposal, awareness and education, financial contribution, reporting and documentation, implementation plan, and compliance with guidelines. By fulfilling these obligations, EPR registered producers can help reduce the adverse impact of plastic waste on the environment and public health. Government of India has assigned PRO or EPR consultant to assist for producers, importer, bulk consumers, brand owners to obtain EPR Registration. ASC Group is the registered PRO assisting companies in waste management and obtaining EPR Registration.