While thephysical and chemical properties of plastic made it one of the most useful
products for humans, plastics were not welcomed by the nature for the same
reasons. Tons of plastic are generated in India every day which if not dealt with
properly can lead to a prolonged environmental crisis. Due to environmental
concerns, various regulations have been put in place for the restricted and
responsible use of plastic. The government notified the Plastic WasteManagement Regulations 2016.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
As per the Plastic Waste ManagementRegulations, 2016 and E-waste Management Rules, 2016, responsibilityhas been placed upon the producers and importers to appropriately recycle or dispose of the e-waste. EPR refers to the responsibility placed upon theproducers to manage the disposal of products that are no longer useful for the
customers. The aim is to create a system that takes care of the collection of
the material, its segregation and transportation to the waste disposal
facility.
Applicability of EPR Registration
Following is the applicability of EPR forplastic waste management:
· Theplastic waste management rule shall be applicable to each local body, waste
generator, importers, manufacturers, brand owners and producers of plastic
products.
· Theproducers, recyclers, brand owners, plastic manufacturers and traders shall
obtain EPR registration from state pollution control board. In the caseof union territories, the registration shall be obtained from pollution control
committees.
Why is EPR Registration Needed?
While we focus on business and profits, it isequally important to focus on our environmental responsibility. Plastic is oneof the most hazardous substances for the environment and therefore, thegovernment has put in place EPR regulations to ensure that plastic waste is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Non-compliance with EPR Registration requirements can lead to the cancellation of the EPR authorization.
Procedure of EPR Registration
Following is theprocedure for obtaining an EPR license:
· Fill out the requisite Form I,II or III as may be applicable to your business
· Attach all the requisitedocuments along with the form. All the documents shall be signed by the authorised person
· The form shall be submitted tothe concerned Central or State Pollution Control Board (CPCB/SPCB) or the pollution control committee
· Liaison with the concerneddepartment and authorities
· If the form and requisitedocuments are found satisfactory to the officer, then the EPR authorisationcertificate shall be issued. In case of any objection, the same shall beclarified to the satisfaction of the official.
DocumentsRequired for EPR Authorisation
Following arethe documents required for EPR authorisation:
· PAN and Aadhaar card of theauthorised representative
· GST certificate of theorganisation
· Office address proof
· Trade or factory license
· Plan or layout of the unit
· Board resolution for theappointment of an authorised representative
· Registration certificate/incorporationcertificate of the entity
· Memorandum of Association
· Articles of Association
EPR authorization is necessary for the properand responsible disposal of plastic waste. In case you require any assistancewith EPR registration and licensing, then feel free to contact the ASCGroup.
