EPR Authorization

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Authorization is a policy approach under which producers are given significant responsibility—financial and/or physical—for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products. The goal of EPR is to encourage manufacturers to design environmentally friendly products by taking into account the end-of-life impact. EPR authorization is required for businesses dealing with products such as electronics, plastics, batteries, and packaging materials, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Companies must register with the relevant authorities and submit an EPR plan outlining their waste collection, recycling, and disposal mechanisms. Compliance with EPR regulations helps in reducing environmental impact, promoting sustainability, and fostering a circular economy.

E- Waste.

E-waste or Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) are loosely discarded, surplus, obsolete, broken, electrical or electronic devices.

As per the new E-Waste (Management) Rules 2016, it has become mandatory for bulk consumers, producers and manufacturers of all electrical and electronic equipment to bide by their EPR. These rules clearly indicate that a target is set for a bulk producer as per their market share to channelize their e-waste for responsible recycling.

i.EPR Authorisation

extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a strategy to add all of the environmental costs associated with a product throughout the product life cycle to the market price of that product.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) means responsibility of any producer of electrical or electronic equipment, for channelization of e-waste to ensure environmentally sound management of such waste.

List of Common E-waste Items:

Home Appliances
• Microwaves, Home Entertainment Devices, Electric cookers, Heaters, Fans Communications and Information Technology Devices.
• Cell phones, Smartphones, Desktop Computers, Computer Monitors, Laptops, Circuit boards, Hard Drives Home Entertainment Devices.
• DVDs, Blu Ray Players, Stereos, Televisions, Video Game Systems, Fax machines, Copiers, Printers

Electronic Utilities
• Massage Chairs, Heating Pads, Remote Controls, Television Remotes, Electrical Cords, Lamps, Smart Lights, Night Lights, Treadmills, FitBits, Smart Watches, Heart Monitors, Diabetic Testing Equipment

Office and Medical Equipment
• Copiers/Printers, IT Server Racks, IT Servers, Cords and Cables, WiFi Dongles, Dialysis, Machines, Imaging Equipment, Phone & PBX systems, Audio & Video Equipment, Network Hardware (i.e. servers, switches, hubs, etc.), Power Strips & Power Supplies Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS Systems), Power Distribution Systems (PDU’s), Autoclave, Defibrillator

Plastic waste

ii. Plastic waste management

Plastic waste management is a critical issue. Over 300 million metric tons of plastics are produced in the world annually and about fifty percent of this volume is for disposal applications, product that are discarded within a year of their purchase.
Plastic products have become an integral part of our daily life as a result of which the polymer is produced at a massive scale worldwide.
According to the reports for year 2017-18, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has estimated that India generates approximately 9.4 Million tonnes per annum plastic waste
The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) introduced its resin identification coding system in 1988 at the urging of recyclers around the country. The seven types of plastic include: 1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) 2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). 3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) 4. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) 5. Polypropylene (PP) 6. Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS) 7. Miscellaneous plastics (includes: polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, and nylon).

Plastic Waste Management (PWM Rules), 2016
• These rules shall apply to every Waste Generator, Local Body, Gram Panchayat, Manufacturer, Importer, Producer and Brand Owner.
• Carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic, shall not be less than fifty microns in thickness. The provision of thickness shall not be applicable to carry bags made up of Compostable plastic, complying IS/ISO: 17088.

EPR Battery Waste

1. What is EPR Battery Waste Certification?

EPR Battery Waste Certification is a formal acknowledgment that a manufacturer or importer has fulfilled their legal responsibilities under EPR laws for the management of battery waste. This certification is essential for companies involved in the production, import, or sale of batteries or battery-powered products.

2. Why is Battery Waste Certification Important?

• Legal Compliance: Certification ensures that producers comply with national or regional laws requiring them to manage end-of-life batteries, preventing illegal dumping or mishandling of waste.
• Environmental Protection: Proper disposal, recycling, and management of battery waste reduce pollution and prevent harmful substances (like mercury, cadmium, and lithium) from contaminating the environment.
• Market Access: Many countries or regions mandate that only certified producers can sell batteries or battery-operated products within their jurisdiction. Non-compliance may result in penalties, fines, or the inability to market products legally.
• Transparency: Certification helps establish consumer confidence, ensuring that the products they purchase are responsibly disposed of after use.

3. How is EPR Battery Waste Certification Obtained?

Step 1: Register with Relevant Authorities
• Companies must register with an EPR organization or government-appointed body that oversees battery waste management.
• In some regions, a government agency is responsible for managing the certification process, while in others, private third-party organizations or industry associations handle registration and compliance monitoring.

Step 2: Pay Fees or Charges
• Producers are usually required to pay an annual fee or a per-unit fee for the waste they generate (based on the number of batteries or the weight of batteries sold).
• The fees help fund the collection, recycling, and disposal infrastructure.

Step 3: Develop a Battery Waste Management Plan
• Companies must demonstrate how they plan to collect, recycle, and dispose of used batteries in compliance with local regulations.
• This plan includes measures for collection, transportation, recycling targets, and public awareness campaigns.
• In some cases, producers may be required to work with certified recyclers or third-party organizations that handle the waste.

Step 4: Meet Recycling and Collection Targets
• Certification often requires producers to meet specific recycling rates (such as a percentage of batteries sold being recycled within a year).
• Some jurisdictions have separate targets for various battery types (e.g., lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium).

Step 5: Submit Compliance Reports
• Producers must submit periodic reports to the certifying body, demonstrating their compliance with recycling and collection targets, as well as any other regulatory requirements.
• These reports include data on the quantity of batteries sold, collected, and recycled.

4. Key Requirements for Certification:

• Registration: Producers must register with a regulatory body or EPR organization.
• Fee Payment: Producers are usually required to pay a registration fee or a per-unit fee based on the batteries they produce or import.
• Collection and Recycling Plan: Companies must have a documented plan that outlines how they will collect and recycle batteries.
• Recycling Targets: Achieve set recycling rates (for example, 40-60% of batteries sold must be recycled or safely disposed of).
• Reporting: Producers must submit annual or quarterly reports detailing the quantities of batteries sold, collected, and recycled.
• Documentation: Provide proof of compliance, including contracts with recycling companies and data on collection points.
• Public Awareness: Implement educational campaigns to inform consumers about where and how to dispose of their used batteries responsibly.