The Central Pollution Control Board has established a policy called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) that consists of guidelines, rules, and regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of heavy plastic production. These regulations apply to Producers, Brand Owners, and Importers. EPR is primarily focused on the management and disposal of plastic waste, including post-industrial and post-consumer garbage.
By dividing the recycling and end-of-life disposal of plastic waste equally between these entities, EPR standards will formalize and grow the plastic waste management industry. The guidelines establish a market mechanism for plastic waste management by enabling the sale and purchase of surplus extended producer responsibility certificates. They also establish a framework for levying environmental compensation based on the polluter pays principle when producers, importers, and brand owners fail to meet extended producer responsibility targets.
All of these measures aim to protect and improve the environment and prevent, control, and abate pollution. To learn more, visit http://ospcboard.org/.
If you have the obligation to fulfill Extended Producers Responsibility as a Producer, Importer, or Brand owner in Odisha, you can follow the below steps for registration:
Step 1: Register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) & Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OPCB).
Step 2: Collect waste through an authorized waste management agency.
Step 3: Collect and compile relevant documents.
Step 4: Submit quarterly reports to CPCB.
Step 5: Submit an annual report on Extended Producers Responsibility Liability Fulfillment.
Opening/Meeting: At the beginning of the process, there is an opening meeting to brief the client on the content of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and the workflow for the process. The client is given an opportunity to ask questions and have their queries resolved.
Identification and Sign Up Process: The next step is to identify the appropriate category for the client and sign them up for the appropriate program. There are two programs available: the Producer Identification and Brand Owner (PIBO) program and the Producer Waste Plan (PWP) program.
Sharing List of Documents and Form for Data Collection: Once the client has been signed up for the appropriate program, a list of required documents is shared with them, along with a data collection form. This form is specific to the client’s category.
Data Collection and Validation: The client collects the required data and submits it for validation. The data is scrutinized to ensure its accuracy and completeness. Once validated, the data is finalized.
File Upload: The finalized data is uploaded to the government’s system for processing.
EPR Certificate Done: After the data is processed by the government, the client receives an EPR certificate, which certifies their compliance with EPR regulations and their commitment to sustainable production and waste reduction.