Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) in Punjab
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms, rules, and laws impose obligations on Brand-owners, Producers, and Importers to recycle and dispose of plastic waste and packaging waste produced by them. The primary objective of EPR is to protect the environment and minimize the spread of plastic pollutants in the natural environment, as well as reduce the impact of plastic pollution on the environment.
EPR is a legal strategy that aims to protect the environment and prevent the spread of harmful pollutants into natural areas. In Punjab, the State Pollution Control Board has direct control over Extended Producer Responsibility. According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board, waste generators must take steps to reduce plastic waste generation and segregate plastic waste at the source, as per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, or as amended from time to time.
It is also essential to ensure that plastic waste is not littered and that segregated waste is stored at the source and handed over to the urban local body or gram panchayat or agencies appointed by them, or registered waste pickers, registered recyclers, or waste collection agencies. To learn more about EPR in Punjab, visit https://ppcb.punjab.gov.in/.
Get EPR Certificate
If you are a Producer, Importer, or Brand owner in Punjab with an obligation to fulfill Extended Producers Responsibility, you can follow the steps below for registration:
Step 1: Register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Punjab State Pollution Control board (PPCB).
Step 2: Collect waste through an authorized waste management agency.
Step 3: Collect and aggregate relevant documents related to Extended Producers Responsibility.
Step 4: Submit quarterly reports to the CPCB.
Step 5: Submit an annual report on Extended Producers Responsibility liability fulfillment.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Compliance Process: From Sign Up to EPR Certification
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.
- Identification of Applicable Categories Form: For the PIBO program, the client must identify all applicable categories on the form. The categories include Brandowner, Producer, and Importer.
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.
