EPR (Extended Producer Responsibilities) refers to a policy-based approach that aims to vest potential waste generators with a liability of handling pre-consumer and post-consumer waste. EPR is a giant step towards a circular economy and perhaps the only viable solution for the effective management of plastic and electronic wastes. The prevailing legislations like Plastic Waste Management Rules and E-waste Management rules[1] have provisions regarding the EPR and its authorization. In this article we described about Benefits of EPR authorization.
What is the role of EPR Authorization in waste management?
EPR Authorization is a legal consent granted by the competent state authorities to the entities falling under the legislation mentioned above. EPR authorization is granted against the modalities underpinned by the entities for effective waste management. The term modalities refer to the proposed plan for waste accumulation, mobilization, treatment, recycling, and pre and post-consumer waste disposal. Apart from modalities, the authority seeks various other documents and industry-specific certificates to grant EPR authorization.
Benefits of EPR authorization
Even though the EPR authorization is mandatory for EEE and plastic producers, it renders an array of benefits to business owners. Some of these benefits include;
Optimize waste supply chain and management
EPR authorization enables firms to pinpoint weak links within the waste supply chain and make it more efficient. This helps in reducing overhead costs and imposes fewer burdens on budget-conscious entities. EPR authorization ensures the availability of a definitive framework that allows firms to operate aptly and get rid of unnecessary lags and expenses.
Improve modalities for waste management
EPR authorization allows entities to have better clarity over how the waste should be collected, treated, recycled, or disposed of. This way, they can further improve their prevailing framework for waste management and makes it more efficient and seamless.
Improve coordination with affiliated units
High expenses are inevitable in the early stage of EPR implementation. This can be controlled by improving coordination with affiliated units. Under EPR authorization, the firm has a definite understanding of how to effectively execute waste management activities, including channelizing wastes to recycling and disposal units.
Improved Market Reputation
EPR authorization positively impacts the company’s image and goodwill. Having EPR authorization at disposal means that the company is committed to sustainable use of resources and reducing waste coming from their products. The prominent business players pay great attention to such requirements to build a better reputation in the marketplace.
Ensure cost-cutting in waste management
Waste management and cost-cutting do not go hand in hand. That is why most companies are reluctant to invest heavily in waste management programs. But EPR authorization solves this critical issue by overcoming complexities within the waste management system and eventually makes it more cost-efficient.
Undoubtedly, comprehensive waste management seeks considerable funding, particularly in the case of an inefficient system. This is where EPR authorization comes into the picture. It allows entities to focus on parameters worth considering for executing cost-efficient activities and remain productive on the other hand.
Improve waste segregation and disposal
There are definite EPR measures under prevailing legislation regarding waste segregation and disposal that eventually prevent the mobilization of waste to open landfills. EPR authorization mandates apt segregation and disposal of wastes for entities either individually or via some agencies.
Conclusion
EPR authorization serves as fundamental consent for plastic and EEE producers in the country. Having EPR authorization in place implies that entities shall comply with the underlying legalities of the competent authorities for effective waste management. Therefore, EPR authorization can serve as a valuable asset despite being a legal compulsion for a company.
Read our Article:Basel Convention on E-waste – An Overview
