The global increase in plastic consumption has increased the global production of plastics indiscriminately. Consequently, it has triggered the necessity of EPR (Extended Producer’s Responsibility) for plastic waste management in the country.
What is EPR registration for Plastic Waste & What Impact Does It Have On Plastic Packaging?
The word EPR refers to Extended Producer’s Responsibility and has been implemented since 1970.
However, very recently, according to the Schedule II of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2022, it is mandatory for every importer, brand owner, pre-consumer, and post-consumer of plastic to get an EPR registration for handling plastic and the waste generated from it.
The Central Pollution Control Board took this decision to-
- Promote EPR-compliant plastic handling practices
- Abandon single-use plastics
- Adapt sustainable practices for the disposal of plastics
- Dismantle, recycle or disposal of plastics must be done by EPR-authorised dealers only
- Initiate a strategy to promote oceanic and human life
- Reduce carbon polyester emission from harmful chemicals generated by plastic
The Government of India has made it compulsory that every handler dealing with plastic packages must have an EPR registration to manage plastic waste by the 25th of July, 2023. Anyone found violating the regulation dispatched by the Central Pollution Control Board of India is liable to face penalties for non-EPR compliance.
Single-Use Plastics Are Not Abandoned Completely!
According to a survey conducted by environmentalists, less than 20% of plastics are recycled globally. This means an estimated figure of 80-85% of the plastics is either micromanaged or dumped by violating the ecological balance.
The Center for International Environment Law has confirmed that the greenhouse gas emitted from plastic constitutes 10-13% of the carbon budget by 2050. India, being the second largest buyer of plastic globally, CPCB has confirmed that only 60% of the plastics are recycled out of 9.46 metric tons of plastic waste.
Shocking statistics Of Global Pollution Caused due to single-use plastics!
According to a recent survey, it has been revealed that out of 40% of global plastics produced, 95% of the materials used for packaging are single-use plastics only. Such issues are a growing threat to the environment, as single-use plastics do not break down naturally, and instead pollute the natural systems, including rivers and oceans.
Challenges with non-EPR compliances for plastic waste management: A Necessity Call For Action Now!
A number of factors come into play with the non-EPR compliances for managing and handling plastic waste. Some of those are-
- Regulation of single-use plastics encourages buy & sale of non-EPR-compliant plastics
- Excessive plastic pollution impacts the environment causing reputational risk
- Hinders the capable companies to adopt an EPR compliant plastic waste management practices
Few Other Challenges with non-EPR compliant plastic waste management
Insufficient infrastructure for handling plastic waste– Although a significant number of companies are looking ahead to adopt EPR-compliant plastic waste management practices, however, according to a survey a huge percentage of companies lack the adequate infrastructure to process, dismantle, reuse or recycle plastic waste.
Lacks proper segregation system to handle plastic waste- Majority of the companies lack a proper segregation system to handle plastic waste. Some are yet to impose proper recycling facilities and waste management policies to handle and operate plastic waste as well. As a result, a significant number of firms dealing with plastic materials are yet to impose EPR-compliant practices for dealing with plastic packages.
What If The EPR Compliances Are Met With Plastic Waste Management?: The Sheer Benefits!
By meeting all the EPR compliances for plastic waste management it’s easier for all the entities to expect the following benefits-
- Encourage usage of EPR-compliant plastic products
- Reducing dependency on single-use plastics
- Encouraging robust waste collection and recycling infrastructure
- Adapt advanced technologies for plastic waste recycling
- Create awareness with EPR for plastic waste sustainable business practices
- Collaborates with EPR-authorised stakeholders who’re into buying, collecting, dismantling, importing and exporting plastic goods and items
- Joining with civil society organizations for eco-friendly plastic waste management practices
Who Needs an EPR Registration For Plastic Waste Management?
According to the recent circular shared by the Central Pollution Control Board of India, the following entities must have an EPR certificate for plastic waste management,
- Producers
- Importers
- Brand owners
- Pre-consumer and post-consumer plastic packaging waste
The CPCB has also mentioned that the applicability of the rule is from 25th May 2023.
Is there any penalty for non-EPR plastic waste compliance?
There can be serious penalties for non-EPR-compliant plastic waste management practices in India. It may also lead to the seizure of a business license or imposition of a hefty amount for importing, exporting, manufacturing or processing plastic wastes that are non-EPR compliant. However, the exact nature and amount of penalties vary from case to case basis.
Conclusion
EPR registration certificate for plastic waste management is no longer an option now but rather turned into a mandatory necessity. If you need an expert’s assistance to avail EPR certificate for plastic waste management, reach out to our legal experts now!
