Introduction

In India approximately 25940 tonnes of plastic waste is generated per day. Out of which approximately 92 % of plastic is recyclable and 6% is non-recyclable. Due to its physicochemical properties, plastic is non-biodegradable, and reached to the landfills and is hazardous to the environment. Therefore a proper management of plastic waste is required, so that maximum quantity of plastic waste can be recycled thus decreasing the manufacturing of raw plastic. For the proper management of plastic waste in India, Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Regulations came into existence in 2011 for proper management, recycling, and disposal of plastic waste. Plastic waste management, 2016 rules were notified afterwards in violation of earlier rules and amended in 2018.

What is EPR?

EPR is extended producer responsibility is a strategy under which manufacturers and sellers are given responsibility- for collection, treatment and safe disposal of their products after its end life. EPR transfers the responsibility of expenses of disposal from the government to the manufacturers and sellers.

Policies under EPR:

• Responsibility of manufacturer for setting up take back system and collection centres or channelization of waste from its end life to authorized recyclers/dismantlers.
• Manufacturers need to have an arrangement with authorised dismantlers/recyclers either at individual level or collectively or through a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) spelt out by the producer in its EPR Plan which is duly approved by CPCB in manufacturers EPR authorisation.
• EPR Authorisation is mandatory to obtain by the persons or organisations involved in the production or import, sellers, recyclers etc. In respect of electrical and electronic equipment mentioned in schedule I of E-waste management rules.

Types of EPR

There are two types of EPR authorisation

1. EPR Plastic Waste Management
2. EPR E-Waste Management

EPR Plastic Waste Management

• Objectives of EPR:

• Minimum thickness for virgin or recyclable plastic waste should not be less than 50 µm
• Minimum thickness conditions are not applicable for compostable carry bags – ISO:17088 certified and CPCB Certificate for marketing/selling is mandatory
• Introduction of a new collective system by producers, brand owners under EPR.
• Promote the use of plastic waste for the construction of roads.

Responsibilities under PWM Rules

Local bodies: developing infrastructure providing facilities for segregation, collection, storage, transportation, processing as well as disposal of plastic.

Gram panchayat: to set up, run and operate plastic waste management in rural regions.

Producers/brand owners: Every person involved in manufacture or brand owner of plastic has to set up Waste collection authorities based on EPR, involving UDD or concerned local authority.

Who needs an EPR authorization?

Every producer, brand owner, manufacturer and recycler of plastic has to register with concerned SPCB/PCC or CPCB (in case of producer/brandowners of operational in more than two state).

Procedure for EPR Authorisation

• Every single producer/brand-owner should make an application in Form-I for registration or renewal of authorisation to concerned SPCB or PCC, if operational in one or two states and to Central Pollution Control Board, if operational in more than two states with all the required documents.
• Every person involved in recycling or processing waste or proposing to recycle or process plastic waste shall make an application in Form II for registration or renewal of authorisation to concerned SPCB with all the required documents.
• Every manufacturer involved in manufacturer of plastic which will be used as raw material by producers shall make an application in Form II for registration or renewal of authorisation to concerned SPCB/PCC with all the required documents.

Documents required for EPR Authorization:

• For sole proprietor

• Adhaar card
• Pan card
• Ownership proof/lease deed
• Factory license
• Site plan/layout plan
• GST Certificate
• Electricity bill

• For PVT/Public Ltd.
  • All the above documents
  • CIN
  • MoA
  • Pan card of company
  • Authority letter

• Validity of EPR Authorisation:

The initial registration is valid for one year, and then subsequently granted for a period of 3 years. The renewal application must be applied 120 days before the expiry of authorisation.