Overview of EPR credits for Plastic Waste Recyclers

• Formal Sector Recognition: EPR credits assists the informal sector recyclers to be accredited legally to access more opportunities that were before unavailable to them.
• Environmental Benefits: EPR credits improve the reduction of plastic waste and encourage the formation of a circular economy, which is achieved by providing incentives for recycling.
• Scalability: The sort goes a step ahead by helping recyclers finance improved operations and better infrastructure and technologies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Despite the fact that the EPR system makes more sense if it is in synergy with the national waste management regulations, recyclers create credibility among them when they join the system.
• Partnerships: Recyclers can directly engage brands/producers looking to partner to meet their EPR requirements with equal or more intensity.
• Sustainability: EPR credits motivate recyclers to engage in environmentally and socially proper behavior and thus become more sustainable in the market.

Who are Plastic Recyclers?

Plastic recyclers are organizations engaged in the processing of various types of collected plastic waste. This waste may be sourced directly from producers or obtained through third-party channels. To meet their annual Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets, producers gather plastic waste and transfer it to recycling facilities. Subsequently, these recyclers process the waste and issue an EPR Certificate, confirming the successful recycling of the materials supplied by the producers.

Plastic packaging categories are covered under EPR:

1. Category I Rigid plastic packaging
2. Category II Flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets or like and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags (including carry bags made of compostable plastics), plastic sachet or pouches and

• Category III Multilayered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic)

The following categories of entities will need to purchase CPCB EPR Credits to meet their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations:

1. Producers of carry bags, multi-layered packaging, and plastic sheets.
2. Manufacturers of carry bags, multi-layered packaging, and plastic sheets.
3. Importers of carry bags, multi-layered packaging, and plastic sheets.
4. Industries utilizing these products for the packaging or wrapping of any goods.
5. Brand owners involved in the manufacture, sale, import, or use of these plastic packaging products for their goods.

• EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) for plastic waste recyclers ensures proper management and recycling of plastic waste.
• It helps track the material balance of plastic waste introduced in the market and processed.
• EPR promotes accountability and encourages recycling to reduce environmental impact.

Whom can EPR credits for Plastic waste recyclers be issued and when?

EPR credits are issued to Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) who exceed their EPR targets.

Credits are generated when PIBOs surpass their minimum levels of recycling for plastic packaging waste.

Who issues EPR certificates?

Only registered plastic waste processors can provide certificates for plastic waste processing.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will develop the certificate format.

How surplus or shortfall of EPR credits treated?

Surplus EPR credits can be:

• Used to offset previous year shortfalls
• Carried forward for use in the succeeding year
• Sold to other PIBOs within the same category of plastic
• PIBOs can meet their EPR obligations by purchasing surplus EPR certificates from other PIBOs of the same category.

Registration:

All plastic waste processors (including recyclers) must register with the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC) on a centralized portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Annual Returns:

• Plastic waste processors must submit annual returns by April 30th each year, detailing the quantity of plastic waste processed category-wise and state-wise.
• The total quantity of plastic waste processed and attributed to PIBOs (Producers, Importers, and Brand-Owners) will be made available on the centralized portal.

Certification:

Only registered plastic waste processors can provide certificates for plastic waste processing, except for use in road construction.

The certificate format will be developed by CPCB and will include details like GST data and installed capacity.

Certificates will be category-wise for plastic packaging.

Verification and Audits:

CPCB and SPCB/PCC can verify compliance through inspections and periodic audits.

EPR Fulfilment:

• PIBOs must provide recycling certificates from registered recyclers when filing annual returns.
• The online portal will cross-check details provided by PIBOs and plastic waste processors.
• In case of discrepancies, the lower figure will be considered for EPR obligation fulfillment.

Centralized Online Portal:

• CPCB will establish an online system for registration and filing of returns by March 31, 2022.
• This system will track the material balance of plastic waste introduced in the market and processed.

Penalties:

False information from a plastic waste processor can lead to debarment from the EPR framework for five years.

Other penalties may include revocation of registration, payment of environmental compensation, or prosecution under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

Monitoring:

SPCBs/PCCs will submit annual reports on EPR fulfillment to CPCB and the State Level Monitoring Committee.

Committee for EPR:

A committee chaired by the CPCB Chairman will be formed to recommend measures for effective EPR implementation and monitor its progress.

• Streamlined Registration Process:

Simplify your registration with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or Pollution Control Committees (PCCs).

Guided interface ensures all necessary information is provided accurately.

• Compliance Verification Support

Document repository for easy access during inspections.

• Dedicated Support:

Access to EPR experts for guidance and problem-solving.

• Scalability:

Suitable for recyclers of all sizes, from small operations to large-scale facilities.

Flexible plans to accommodate your growing business needs.

• Expertise in EPR Regulations:

Stay updated with the latest EPR guidelines and compliance requirements.

Receive alerts on regulatory changes affecting your operations.