Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a globally proven waste management and environmental approach. It holds all the stakeholders of a product supply chain – producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) – responsible for waste management and recycling activities.
In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is responsible for the enforcement of EPR compliance. From 2026, the Indian government has introduced the Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR) under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
The framework defines Bulk Waste Generators (BWG) as entities that generate 100kg of waste per day, consume 40,000 litres of water per day and have a floor area of 20,000 Square meters or more.
As per the regulation, BWGs are responsible for:
Non-compliance with these regulations will lead to huge legal and financial penalties.
Dry waste consists of materials that can be recycled. The materials include Plastic, paper, metal, wood, glass, etc. Wastes containing these materials are transferred to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for standardised recycling.
These are biodegradable wastes. Types include: Kitchen waste, vegetables, fruit peels, meat, flowers and so on. These Wastes that should be processed through composting and bio-methanation. As per the regulation, they must be processed on-site by the BWGs.
Sanitary waste falls under the category of waste that must be securely wrapped, covered and disposed of securely. Under this category, wastes include: diapers, sanitary towels, tampons and so on.
These are hazardous wastes that require special attention during their disposal. These include paints, bulbs, mercury thermometers, and expired medicines. The wastes under this category are to be processed by registered agencies and collection centres.
Required under Solid Waste Management Rules.
Reduces pollution through scientific waste disposal.
Promotes segregation, recycling, and material recovery.
Avoids fines, notices, and regulatory enforcement actions.
Aligns business operations with local body requirements.
Strengthens ESG and environmental disclosures.
Enables transparent monitoring of waste handling processes.
Prevents operational disruption due to non-compliance.
The following documents are generally required:
Producers, importers, and brand owners.
Applicable to notified categories under rules.
CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards.
Yes, as per prescribed guidelines.
Yes, compliance reports must be submitted.
