The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) issued the Frequently Asked Questions on EPR.
The following has been stated:
• The FAQ explains that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the Plastic Waste Management Rules makes producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) responsible for the collection, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal of plastic waste generated from their products.
• It clarifies that all such entities shall register on the centralized portal of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with state-level registration required in certain cases, depending on operations.
• The document outlines that plastic packaging is categorized into different types, and EPR targets are assigned accordingly, which entities shall fulfill annually through recycling or waste processing.
• It also highlights that compliance is achieved through the purchase of EPR certificates generated by registered recyclers or processors, forming a market-based mechanism.
• Further, PIBOs are required to file annual returns, maintain records, and ensure traceability of plastic waste. At the same time, SPCB/CPCB authorities have the power to audit, inspect, and take action against non-compliance.
• The FAQ also explains the roles of plastic waste processors (recyclers, waste-to-energy, composting units) and urban local bodies in the collection and channelization of waste, ensuring that the entire lifecycle of plastic packaging is managed responsibly.
