Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) stands as a critical pillar in the drive towards sustainability, emphasizing not only the responsibilities of producers but also those of every individual in society. EPR frameworks advocate for sustainable practices, incentivize product design that promotes recycling, and bolster recycling infrastructure, all crucial elements for fostering a circular economy and achieving long-term environmental goals.
The global waste management sector, currently valued at USD 423.4 billion, is projected to grow significantly to USD 542.7 billion by 2026. This growth underscores the increasing urgency for robust waste management infrastructures worldwide, focusing on reuse, recycling, and waste-to-energy conversion to address escalating environmental and social concerns. India, identified among the top 12 nations responsible for 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste, has been prompted to revise its EPR policies. These revisions aim to enforce stricter compliance among companies while enhancing overall waste management practices to mitigate environmental impacts effectively. Defined by the OECD as extending a producer’s responsibility from production through to a product’s post-consumer stage, EPR policies serve as a linchpin linking waste management with sustainability. They advocate for producers to consider the entire lifecycle of their products, encouraging designs that facilitate recycling or safe disposal at the end of their useful lives.
In India, the Extended Producer Responsibility framework exemplifies proactive policy-making aimed at building a sustainable e-waste ecosystem. This approach not only holds producers accountable but also emphasizes that waste management is a collective responsibility—“Every Person’s Responsibility” (EPR). This ethos highlights how individuals, alongside producers, play crucial roles in ensuring a sustainable future by minimizing waste generation and conserving resources. EPR implementation offers several benefits. It introduces financial incentives for producers to adopt sustainable practices, encourages product design with recyclability in mind, and promotes investment in recycling infrastructure. Moreover, it fosters community engagement through initiatives such as local clean-up drives and recycling programs, empowering communities to actively participate in waste reduction efforts. By integrating EPR into waste management strategies, societies can stimulate innovation in sustainable consumption and enhance overall environmental stewardship. This approach not only supports the circular economy but also paves the way towards creating a more sustainable living environment where resources are utilized efficiently, waste is minimized, and environmental impacts are mitigated.
