Plastic Waste Management: Current Processes, Initiatives, Challenges, and EPR Process

Improper disposal of plastic waste poses significant threats to the environment. Plastic materials can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to pollution of land, water bodies, and ecosystems.

Effective plastic waste management is essential to mitigate these harmful impacts and preserve the environment for future generations.

In this blog, I am going to cover the below points

• Understanding the Environmental Impact of Plastic
• About Plastic Waste Management
• Global Efforts to Tackle Plastic Waste
• About EPR certificates and Its Process
• Importance of EPR Certificate
• Details in EPR Certificate
• Centralized Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal
• Existing Challenges in PWM

Understanding the Environmental Impact of Plastic

Plastic not only pollutes our oceans and beaches, causing damage to natural landscapes and once pristine locations, but it also poses a significant threat to animals both on land and in the sea. Animals can become entangled in plastic items such as netting or mistakenly consume plastic, including items like plastic bags. Sea turtles, in particular, are highly vulnerable as they often mistake floating plastic bags for their prey, jellyfish. Research indicates that approximately 52% of all sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic. A smaller study conducted by the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the UK found that out of 102 sea turtles inhabiting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, 100% had microplastics present in their digestive systems.

• Plastic Waste in Ocean: As per the report there is an estimated 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste currently in our oceans, with a further 33 billion pounds of plastic entering the marine environment every single year. This constant flow of plastic production is simply too much for existing waste management and recycling infrastructure.
• Whales are consuming millions of particles of plastic every day as they filter feed in the oceans. For blue whales – the world’s largest animal – the estimate was about 10 million pieces of plastic per day, which equates to between 230 kg and 4 metric tons of plastic during the feeding season. 
• It is estimated that around 1 million seabirds perish annually due to plastic pollution. A striking observation is that less than 5% of seabirds examined in 1960 had plastic in their stomachs. However, this figure dramatically surged to a staggering 80% by 1980. Alarming projections indicate that by 2050, an astonishing 99% of all seabird species will have consumed plastic.
• The second Plastic Waste Makers Index, compiled by the philanthropic Minderoo Foundation, found the world generated 139 million metric tons of single-use plastic waste in 2021, which was 6 million metric tons more than in 2019, when the first index was released.
• The countries which produces most of the plastic waste. China standing out with 59,079,741 metric tons, followed by the United States (37,825,550 t), Germany (14,476,561 t), Brazil (11,852,055 t), and Japan (7,993,489 t). 

Global Efforts to Tackle Plastic Waste

• In India, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 under The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) lays special emphasis on reduction of plastic waste generation and compliance of Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules dated 12.08.2021. Key focus areas include source segregation of waste; segregated collection and transportation; processing of segregated waste; setting up of Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in all ULBs; continuous awareness generation for reducing Single Use Plastic (SUP) and use of substitute products. The government has implemented the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as a strategy to ensure that manufacturers and importers bear the responsibility for the proper treatment and disposal of consumer goods. The EPR framework aims to shift the burden of waste management from the end-consumer to the producers and importers of goods. The EPR certificate, issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), signifies compliance with the EPR guidelines mandated by the Government of India. EPR for plastic waste holds producers, manufacturers, brand owners & importers responsible for collecting and recycling specified volumes of plastics that they sell and distribute in the market.
• In US, As of March 2023, at least 20 states have passed legislation promoting the chemical recycling of used plastics. Many states and local governments have also banned certain single-use plastics, including bags, straws, and takeout containers. Colorado, Maine, and Oregon were early adopters of “extended producer responsibility” (EPR) rules, which aim to impose the primary financial burden of achieving waste reduction and recycling targets on plastics manufacturers. 
• The United Nations General Assembly on 14 December 2022 formally recognized the importance of zero-waste initiatives and proclaimed 30 March as the International Day of Zero Waste, to be observed annually beginning in 2023.
• In Europe, Regulation 2022/1616, which targets single-use plastics that come into contact with food, took effect last October. The regulation bans certain plastic products and imposes extended producer responsibility schemes on others, building on the EU’s broader 2021 Directive on Single Use Plastics (discussed in our previous client alert). EU member states also continue to focus on plastic waste at the national level. France set an ambitious goal of recycling 100% of plastic packaging by 2025, as part of its broader strategy to transition towards a circular economy. 
• In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly adopted a resolution creating a committee to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024.
• In June 2022, Canada finalized its ban on single-use plastic bags, joining more than three dozen other countries with similar bans.

About Plastic Waste management

Plastic waste management refers to the systematic handling, disposal, and recycling of plastic materials to minimize their negative environmental impact. It involves strategies and practices aimed at reducing plastic waste generation, promoting recycling and reuse, and ensuring proper disposal of plastic waste to mitigate pollution and preserve natural resources.

Plastic waste management encompasses various aspects, including collection, sorting, processing, and treatment of plastic waste. Effective management of plastic waste is crucial

About EPR Certificate and Its process

• The EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) certificate is a certification provided to manufacturers and importers in India as part of the government's strategy for waste management. EPR places the responsibility on producers to manage the treatment and disposal of their consumer goods.
• In India, the EPR certificate is issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The CPCB is the regulatory body responsible for implementing and enforcing environmental laws and policies in the country.
• The EPR certificate serves as proof that a manufacturer or importer has fulfilled their obligations regarding waste management and is complying with the EPR regulations. It signifies their commitment to sustainable practices and responsible waste disposal, thereby contributing to the overall goal of minimizing the environmental impact of consumer goods.

Importance of EPR certificate

• In many countries, including India, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificate is mandated for certain producers.
• In India, the EPR certificate is required for certain categories of products that fall under the purview of the E-Waste Management Rules, Plastic Waste Management Rules, or other relevant waste management regulations.
• Producers who manufacture, import, or sell products falling within the specified categories are typically required to obtain an EPR certificate. This certificate demonstrates that the producer has fulfilled their extended producer responsibility obligations, which include implementing measures for the environmentally sound management of the product throughout its life cycle, including proper collection, recycling, or disposal of waste generated from the product.
• It is essential for producers to understand the specific regulations applicable to their industry or product category and comply with the requirements for obtaining an EPR certificate. Non-compliance can result in penalties and legal consequences. Therefore, it is recommended that producers consult the relevant regulatory authorities and guidelines to determine if an EPR certificate is mandated for their specific products and take appropriate steps to obtain the certificate if required.

Details in EPR Certificate

• The EPR certificate holds details such as
• The name of the producer or manufacturer
• The type of products covered under the EPR
• The duration of the EPR agreement
• The financial obligations of the producer
• The collection and recycling targets
• Specific requirements or conditions set by the regulatory authorities.

Centralized Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal

• Centralized Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal for Plastic Packaging is a digital platform that serves as a centralized system for managing and monitoring EPR obligations related to plastic packaging. It is designed to streamline the collection, reporting, and compliance processes for producers of plastic packaging materials
• The portal allows producers to register their products, submit relevant data and reports, and fulfill their EPR obligations in a transparent and efficient manner. It enables them to track and manage their packaging waste, monitor collection and recycling activities, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• The Centralized EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging facilitates effective coordination between producers, recyclers, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders involved in plastic waste management. It provides a common platform for communication, data exchange, and collaboration, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and traceability throughout the value chain.
• The portal helps streamline administrative tasks, reduce paperwork, and enhance data accuracy. It also enables better monitoring and evaluation of EPR programs, allowing authorities to assess the performance of producers, measure progress towards recycling targets, and identify areas for improvement.
• The Centralized EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging plays a crucial role in facilitating the effective implementation of EPR programs, promoting sustainable plastic waste management practices, and driving the transition towards a circular economy.

Existing Challenges in PWM

In India, plastic waste management faces several challenges that hinder effective waste reduction and recycling efforts. Some of the existing challenges include:

• Lack of infrastructure: Insufficient waste management infrastructure, including collection, segregation, and recycling facilities, poses a significant challenge. Many areas lack proper waste management systems, leading to improper disposal and littering.
• Informal sector dominance: The plastic waste management sector is predominantly informal, with a significant involvement of waste pickers and recyclers who operate outside formal channels. This informal sector often faces inadequate resources, limited access to technology, and low-income levels, hindering efficient waste management.
• Low recycling rates: India's plastic recycling rate is relatively low, with a significant portion of plastic waste ending up in landfills, rivers, and oceans. Limited awareness and participation in recycling programs contribute to the low recycling rates.
• Single-use plastic consumption: The widespread use of single-use plastics, such as carry bags, packaging materials, and disposable products, exacerbates the plastic waste problem. The high demand for single-use plastics leads to increased waste generation and environmental pollution.
• Behavioral challenges: Changing consumer behavior and promoting responsible waste management practices is a significant challenge. Many people lack awareness about the environmental impact of plastic waste and the importance of proper waste disposal. Encouraging behavioral change and promoting sustainable alternatives is essential.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) implementation: While EPR regulations exist in India, their effective implementation and enforcement can be challenging. Ensuring the active participation of producers in waste management activities and holding them accountable for their products' end-of-life disposal requires robust monitoring and regulatory mechanisms.

Existing Challenges in EPR Process

1. Lack of awareness: Many producers and stakeholders may not have sufficient knowledge or understanding of the EPR concept and its requirements, leading to limited implementation.
2. Compliance issues: Ensuring full compliance with EPR obligations can be challenging for producers, especially in terms of meeting collection and recycling targets, managing data and reporting requirements, and coordinating with relevant authorities.
3. Cost implications: Implementing EPR programs can involve additional costs for producers, such as setting up collection systems, recycling infrastructure, and related administrative processes. These financial implications may pose challenges, especially for small and medium-sized producers.
4. Enforcement and monitoring: Ensuring effective enforcement and monitoring of EPR compliance by producers and stakeholders can be a challenge for regulatory authorities. It requires a robust framework and mechanisms to track and verify the performance of obligated parties.
5. Stakeholder collaboration: Effective implementation of EPR requires collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including producers, recyclers, government agencies, and consumers. Achieving consensus and cooperation among these diverse entities can be a challenge.
6. Scalability and scalability: As EPR programs expand to cover more products and industries, scalability becomes a challenge. Ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of EPR implementation across different sectors and regions requires careful planning and coordination.
7. International harmonization: EPR systems can vary across different countries and regions, leading to inconsistencies and complexities, especially for multinational producers. Achieving international harmonization and standardization of EPR practices can be a challenge.

Conclusion

In the upcoming blog, we will explore the gaps in the current process of Plastic Waste Management and discuss the role of technology in addressing these challenges.

Reference link

• https://www.omm.com/resources/alerts-and-publications/alerts/recent-developments-in-plastic-waste-reduction-and-recycling-laws/#:~:text=As%20of%20March%202023%2C%20at,%2C%20straws%2C%20and%20takeout%20containers.
• https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/international-day-zero-waste-2023