EPR Compliance for E-Waste Management
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance is mandatory for producers of electrical and electronic equipment. It ensures proper collection, recycling, and disposal of e-waste. Producers must meet specific recycling targets and file regular reports to maintain compliance.
1. E-Waste Recycling Targets
Producers are required to recycle a percentage of their product sales from previous years:
- 2023-24: 15% of 2021-22 sales
- 2024-25: 20% of 2022-23 sales
- 2025-26 onwards: 20% of sales from two years prior
These targets help ensure that e-waste is properly managed, reducing environmental harm and promoting sustainable recycling practices.
2. Reporting & Compliance Requirements
To comply with EPR regulations, producers must:
- File quarterly and annual returns on the government portal before the end of the following month or year.
- Submit Form-3 to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) before June of the following financial year
- Ensure proper e-waste collection and recycling through authorized recyclers.
- Follow the recycling and disposal guidelines mentioned in Schedule 3 & 4 of the regulations.
If a producer operates multiple offices within a state, a single consolidated annual return should be submitted, combining data from all offices.
3. Awareness & Training Programs
Producers must also take initiatives to educate consumers and stakeholders about e-waste management. This includes organizing:
- Seminars and workshops to spread awareness about safe e-waste disposal.
- Training sessions for employees and collection partners on proper waste handling.
By fulfilling these requirements, producers contribute to a cleaner environment while ensuring regulatory compliance.