Why Strategic Planning Matters for Fulfilment of EPR Compliances?

Briefly Understanding EPR in India

The Extended Producers Responsibility aims to distribute the responsibility of environment conscious waste management practice in the country. The CPCB’s EPR regulations aim to manage the life cycle of a product right from the manufacturer till the consumer of it.??

The EPR for plastic waste, battery, tyre, and e waste rule makes every handler of these waste accountable for sustainable collection, recycle, and safe disposal as per CPCB regulations.? One such sustainable waste management approach is increasing awareness among the concerned handlers to reduce the use of virgin products and rely on recycled products.???

Need For Comprehensive Planning for Fulfilment of EPR Compliances??

The CPCB has mandated multiple checklists for the fulfilment of EPR compliances in India. Without a strategic plan, it's next to impossible for any stakeholder associated with plastic, battery, tyre and e waste management to fulfil the applicable compliances.?

Whereas, a detail plan aligning with following entities might lead to fulfilment of applicable EPR compliances in India -?

• PIBOs of plastic waste
• Importers, Brand Owners, Recyclers and Refurbishers of e waste
• Manufacturers and Importers of Battery waste?
• Producers, Importers and Brand owners of new and used tyres??

A strategic planning facilitates eco-friendly production, collection and sustainable recycling process of any product at the end of its life cycle.?

Few Ways to Adhere with EPR Compliances in India?

Obtaining EPR Registration?

Every stakeholder dealing with any kind of product associated with plastic or plastic packaging, electronic gadget, battery, or tyre related products must obtain EPR Registration from CPCB’s online portal only. The concerned entities must submit sales data or import details of the product made from any of these items mentioned above. Any negligence in obtaining EPR registration is liable to hefty penalties mentioned under EC regulations.?

Timely Submission of EPR report?

Every producer, importer, refurbisher, recycler registered under EPR regime must submit their quarterly and annual EPR reports. The report must have the details like volume of the waste, recycling rate, and other necessary metrics mentioned in EPR portal. These reports are necessary to track applicable compliances and assess the effectiveness of EPR programs. Any failure in fulfilment of EPR compliances lead to applicable penalties.?

Active Participation in EPR Framework?

The CPCB has mandated the participation of every handler of plastic, e waste, battery and tyre waste to comply with CPCB’s sustainable waste management principles. Every registered entity must participate in various EPR programs to comply with the applicable obligations for each category of waste.?

Compulsory Fulfilment of Recycling Targets?

Every registered entity is liable for the fulfilment of EPR recycling targets each year. These targets usually vary from one year to another. The exchangeable credit point is transferred to the EPR wallet from registered recyclers. Any act of violation in fulfilment of EPR recycling targets lead to hefty penalties.?

Sustainable Waste Management System?

Companies associated with waste management need a plan to impose efficient waste collection, sorting and eco-friendly waste disposal systems. It also involves advanced recycling mechanisms, adoption of waste reduction measures complying with EPR for plastic, e waste, battery and tyre waste implementing sustainable packaging methods.?

Collaborating with Registered Recyclers?

Every waste handler must collaborate with a registered recycling agency to facilitate waste disposal or recycle plastic waste, battery waste, e waste and tyre waste by adhering with CPCB’s guidelines. Companies tackling all kinds of waste must assure that the respective recycling process must adhere with EPR Compliances mentioned by CPCB.?

Using Modern Technology for Data Reporting?

Advanced technologies for data reporting are another superior way to fulfil applicable EPR compliances in India. Digital tools and software for tracking volume of waste collection, recycling rate, and other necessary metrics by automating data gathering. One such initiative simplifies the process of drafting yearly EPR reports.??

Few Repercussions of Not Complying with EPR Obligations

1. Hefty financial penalties beginning from 5,000 INR which might increase with time depending upon the nature of violation as per applicable EC fines?
2. Sufficient damage to brand reputation of the business?
3. Seizure of business licence and immediate shut down of business

?

Conclusion?

Sustainable waste management has become the most important agenda on Earth to assure a greener future for the upcoming generations. Only a strategic planning leading to fulfilment of applicable EPR compliances mentioned in Waste Management Rule can save this planet from ecological pollution.?