Plastic waste management is one primary endeavour that the Indian government has been promoting for the last few years, considering the alarming rise in plastic waste accumulation and the serious predictions in the coming years that may cause irreversible consequences.

The government has not only worked at the ground level to promote correct disposal habits but also designed a framework that addresses the organizations which use and introduce plastic products into the environment.

This framework or policy is termed extended producer responsibility, and it makes the producers, importers, and brands accountable for taking back the equal amounts of plastic that they introduce as a part of their product offering in different forms.

Guidelines for EPR Registration and Compliance

The government has laid down strict guidelines for EPR registration and compliance, which ensures that every company takes it seriously and makes the best contribution to achieving a circular plastic economy, as this will decide our future in terms of health and wealth.

In this blog post, we will explore all the essential aspects involved in the registration process and the approach that a company should take to achieve the desired results.

Why is EPR Registration Substantial?

Enabling EPR Services is a step towards sustainability and finding environment-friendly product designs that make use of recycled plastic in different forms, which leads to reuse, recycle and remodel concepts.

The policy was earlier introduced as a voluntary concept, but in 2016, under the e-waste management rules, it has been made mandatory, and every business, irrespective of size and industry, must comply with the guidelines.

There are several criteria involved in the process of attaining the EPR certificate, one of which is that a company must apply for it along with some essential documents.

Apart from plastic waste, EPR also includes waste like electronic and IT equipment under the e-waste segment. This means consumer goods like washing machines, computers, phones, batteries, etc., all fall into this category.

The businesses that manufacture any of the products need to have the registration to commence with the production process. The plastic recycling authorization is granted by CPCB- Central Pollution Control Board.

Businesses that have not registered or do not follow the recycling guidelines can face legal actions along with hefty penalties, so there is not any chance of neglecting the significance of the registration in any case.

PIBOs that recycle plastic waste need to collect, segregate, and recycle using the best technology and expertise, which also involves using renewable sources of energy wherever possible. Sustainability is the goal, and the Indian government is making the best effort to ensure that the practices are followed without any shortcomings.

Phases for EPR Registration

Failing to comply with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations incurs monetary penalties and poses significant risks to a company's reputation and the environment.

Even though the registration procedure is precise and readily accessible online, there are several aspects to consider to evade the possibility of application refusal:

o The signup form is available on the PCC (Pollution Control Committee) and SPCB (State Pollution Control Board) portals.

o There is a registration section where the business needs to choose the product for which they desire registration.

o The form is simple and asks for crucial company details like name, contact person, address, and other information for verification. It is essential to ensure that the support documents submitted with the application are accurate and adequately verified before submission to avoid any discrepancies.

o The details like GST registration certificate, PAN card, and owner’s details also need to be submitted.

o A detailed action plan of how the company plans to implement waste management needs to be submitted with the application.

o The company needs to pay a particular amount as a registration fee as per the SPCB guidelines.

o Once the form and documents are submitted, the governing authorities will verify them and issue the PWP certificate if the criteria are met.

Diverse Categories of EPR Compliances in India

The authorities have categorized the companies based on the nature of waste they deal with, the major ones being tyre and battery waste, plastic, and e-waste.

Thus, companies need to acquire certificates accordingly and work in the right direction with a clear idea in mind. Plastic waste consists of products like disposable plastics, packaging stuff, containers, bottles, etc.

Battery and tyre waste is also waste that users dispose of. E-waste is a non-functional electronic or electrical item that can either be fixed or discarded in the disposal yards.

Gains of EPR Registration in India

The goal of EPR policy is to render the best benefits to every stakeholder involved in plastic consumption and disposal by converting the current linear economy to a circular and sustainable economy in the long run. Here are some significant advantages of the policies that make this policy practical and enticing:

o The most important aspect for which this policy was introduced is making a positive environmental impact. Recycling plastic helps eliminate waste from dumping grounds and convert harmful materials into better, more usable products.

o The government believes that if the policy is successfully enforced, it will help reduce toxins and hazardous chemicals that are discharged into the environment due to plastic. It has been stated that plastic waste interferes with the quality of water, soil, and air, which means pollution is a serious concern. Eco-friendly, recyclable materials are the only hope for a better future.

o PIBOs involved in EPR trading enjoy financial, operational, and manufacturing benefits as they do not have to procure virgin raw material for production, which helps achieve efficiency, quality, and cost-saving with innovative techniques.

o End-consumers who are at the end of the product cycle are now aware of the recycling process and have become more responsible for disposing of items, which contributes to a better society.

o The government has been very supportive of companies that practice plastic waste recycling, and to encourage more businesses to join the movement, it has introduced the EPR credits, where companies can acquire support and benefits from the government on successfully managing plastic waste. Now, waste management is no longer a burden that government entities had to manage earlier; now, businesses have also joined the campaign and are delivering the best results.

Key Takeaways

As EPR is gaining momentum in the country and more companies are applying for the certificate, it brings in the hope of having a positive impact on our lives and environment while the business gets a new horizon to flourish with reduced effects on the ecological balance.

Even though the policy is now a mandate, companies have the liberty to choose between establishing an in-house recycling unit or collaborating with a company that specializes in waste recycling. This means that the business can achieve its goals without spending a fortune on installing technology and hiring experts.

So, Nirmal Vasundhara is a leading EPR service provider that has the best state-of-the-art facilities across the country, which enables businesses to get custom-made solutions, ensuring compliance as per government laws. The purpose is to join hands and combat plastic waste responsibly and sustainably for the best interests of the country and planet.