Plastic Waste Management: EPR Certification
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Plastic Waste Management- INDIA
Plastic Waste had been a consistent concern since years now. We have used plastic vigorously in our daily use due to its versatile, long-lasting and durable properties. As per the CSE analysis, 79% of the plastic made in the world enters our environment as waste, some of it also enters our bodies through the food chain, posing grave threats. The accumulation of these materials have now caused a world-wide environmental issue, concerning individual’s health at large.
The landfills are now carelessly filled with this non-biodegradable material, and yet we’re still producing it.
Our land is no more capable to bear the load of the increasing waste. We as an individual has to create awareness and be aware.
The landfills are now carelessly filled with this non-biodegradable material, and yet we’re still producing it.
Our land is no more capable to bear the load of the increasing waste. We as an individual has to create awareness and be aware.
EPR for Plastic Waste Management
In India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), is the regulating ministry for the waste generated. Under the PWM Rules released (on February 16, 2022), it is mandatory to get an EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) certificate under the PWM Rules, 2016 if any entity placing plastic waste of any kind in the market.
As per the newly introduced guidelines by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), any entity having operations in INDIA that uses Plastic Packaging as part of their operations, irrespective of their turnover or scale of operations will fall under the obligation of EPR will have to apply for EPR certification as per the nature of business.
As per the newly introduced guidelines by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), any entity having operations in INDIA that uses Plastic Packaging as part of their operations, irrespective of their turnover or scale of operations will fall under the obligation of EPR will have to apply for EPR certification as per the nature of business.
Categories of Plastic-
The plastic-covered under the scope is of the following category:
Category 1: Rigid plastic packaging.
Category 2: Flexible plastic packaging of a single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets or like and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags, plastic sachets or pouches.
Category 3: Multilayered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic).
Category 4: Plastic sheets or like used for packaging as well as carry bags made of compostable plastics.
Who can apply for EPR?
As per the provision of the PWM Rules, Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) for the management of plastic waste packaging is entrusted with the PIBOs (Producer, Importer & Brand Owners) who introduce the products in the Indian market. They are required to establish a system for the management of plastic waste generated by them. Below is the definition of PIBOs,
Entity engaged in manufacturing or importing carrying bags or multilayered packaging or plastic sheets or like for packaging or wrapping the commodity.
Producer
Importer
Entity that imports plastic packaging products or products with plastic packaging or carry bags or multilayered packaging or plastic sheets.
Entity who sells any product/commodity under a registered brand or trade mark.
Brand Owner
Validity:
The EPR will be valid for 1 year initially. After renewing it will be valid for 2 years.
Other form of plastics to be aware of
This form of plastic is made out of plant-based sources, to name one- flaxseed. Companies might use it as a selling point, however, the fact about it is, it is as good as plastic. Once the polymer is created, the properties of the material becomes the same. Bioplastics differs only in its composition, like plastics, it cannot be recycled or composted.
Bioplastic
Compostable plastics
As the name suggests, this form of plastics can be broken down into simpler elements, to be dissolved by environment easily, but only if treated under proper conditions in the recycling plants. The properties of these remains the same if dumped carelessly in the environment.
There are many more forms of plastics, these being the most commonly used. Learning about these, lands us up on one solution only- reduce the consumption, to reduce the waste.
FAQs
Extended Producer Responsibility means the responsibility of a producer for the environmentally sound management of the product until the end of its life.
The EPR will be valid for 1 year initially. After renewing it will be valid for 2 years.
Depending on the quantum of the waste generated, the govt fees is levied as following-
Renewal fees : Same as Registration fees Annual Processing Fees: 25% of Application fees ( for PIBOs as well as PWP)
Renewal fees : Same as Registration fees Annual Processing Fees: 25% of Application fees ( for PIBOs as well as PWP)
PIBO will have to register as PIBO and as Recycler both with relevant documentation. Credits can only be issued to recyclers and transaction of credits to PIBO shall be documented.
● If entity is operating in one State/UT or more than two states/UTs: The applicant has to apply for fresh application on the portal with same login credential and repay the applications fees as per SOP.
● If entity is operating in two States/UTs: The applicant has to apply for fresh application on the portal with same login credential and repay the applications fees as per SOP. In case application is rejected by one or both State/UTs.
● If entity is operating in two States/UTs: The applicant has to apply for fresh application on the portal with same login credential and repay the applications fees as per SOP. In case application is rejected by one or both State/UTs.
Operation means selling of plastic packaging product or products with plastic packaging or carry bags or multilayered packaging or plastic sheets or like into the Indian Market.
The Micro & Small category of Brandowners are exempted from fulfilling EPR obligation. Remaining all entities are required to be registered on Centralized EPR portal in line with notified EPR Guidelines
