The Draft Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Policy released by the Indian government in 2021 aims to hold producers responsible for the collection and management of their products at the end of their useful life. While the policy has been welcomed by many, there are several gaps that need to be addressed for it to be effective. In this blog post, we will explore some of these gaps and suggest ways to fill them.

Lack of Clarity on Implementation

One of the primary challenges with the draft EPR policy is the lack of clarity on its implementation. The policy does not specify how the government plans to enforce the EPR mechanism or who will be responsible for monitoring it. There is also no clarity on the penalties for non-compliance. To fill this gap, the government must provide clear guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including producers, recyclers, and regulators.

Inadequate Infrastructure

Another significant gap in the draft EPR policy is the lack of adequate infrastructure for waste management. India currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to collect, segregate, and recycle waste effectively. The government must invest in building a robust waste management infrastructure to support the EPR mechanism. This will require the collaboration of various stakeholders, including producers, recyclers, and local authorities.

Lack of Stakeholder Participation

The success of the EPR policy depends on the active participation of all stakeholders. However, the draft policy does not provide enough opportunities for stakeholder engagement. The government must involve all stakeholders in the policy-making process to ensure that their concerns are adequately addressed. This can be done through public consultations, workshops, and other forms of engagement.

Limited Scope

The draft EPR policy has a limited scope, covering only a few product categories. This leaves several products outside the ambit of the policy, such as electronic waste and plastic packaging. To fill this gap, the government must expand the scope of the policy to cover all products that have a significant impact on the environment.

 Conclusion

The draft EPR policy is an important step towards a more sustainable future for India. However, it has several gaps that need to be addressed to ensure its effectiveness. The government must work with stakeholders to address these gaps and provide a clear roadmap for the implementation of the policy. With the right infrastructure, stakeholder participation, and expanded scope, the EPR policy can help India become a cleaner and greener country.