Context:
Centre for Science and Environment release a report on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic Packaging
Extended Procedure Responsibility
- Refers to the responsibility of a producer for the environmentally sound management of the product until the end of its life.
- Notified under – Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022
- Tenure – Till fiscal year 2027–28
- ‘Polluters’ identified in the plastic waste management value chain are producers, importers, brand owners, and manufacturers (PIBOs).
- PIBOs are responsible for collecting back 100% of the plastic packaging they put in the market
- PIBOs must purchase EPR certificates from the PWPs (plastic waste processors)
- Plastic packaging categories covered under EPR – Category I to IV
- Category 1 – Rigid plastic packaging included under this category.
- Category 2 – Flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags, plastic sachet or pouches included under this category.
- Category 3 – Multi-layered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic)
- Category 4 – Plastic sheet or like used for packaging as well as carry bags made of compostable plastics fall under this category.
- Compostable plastics – Plastics made from renewable sources such as corn, potato, and tapioca starches, cellulose, and lactic acid, that are non-toxic and decompose into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass through composting.
- Compensation – Levies are imposed following the “polluter pays” principle on producers, importers, and brand owners who fail to meet Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets.
- Polluter Pays Principle holds individuals responsible for environmental pollution, requiring them to compensate for the damage caused and restore the environment to its original state, irrespective of intent.
Source: Down To Earth
Previous Year Question
As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into 5 categories.
(b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.
(c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.
(d) It is mandatory on the part of the waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.
Answer: (c)
