What is Solid Waste EPR Certificate?

Solid Waste EPR

Solid Waste EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is a policy framework that holds producers, importers, and brand owners accountable for managing the post-consumer waste generated by their products. Under EPR, these entities must ensure proper collection, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal of waste materials, reducing the burden on municipalities and promoting sustainable waste management practices.

EPR plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental pollution, encouraging the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials, and fostering a circular economy where products and packaging are designed with end-of-life recovery in mind. This approach not only helps reduce landfill waste but also conserves natural resources and minimizes carbon emissions.

Duties of waste generators include:

1. Prevent Pollution
Waste generators must take proactive steps to minimize environmental impact, aiming to reduce pollution at the source.
2. Segregate Waste
Proper waste segregation is a must. Waste should be separated into four categories: wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste. Hand these over to authorize waste collectors to ensure they are handled appropriately.
3. Sanitary Waste Disposal
Sanitary items, like diapers and pads, should be securely wrapped and disposed of in designated bins separate from other waste.
4. Construction & Horticultural Waste
Construction and garden waste should be stored separately and disposed of following local rules to avoid contamination of other waste streams.
5. Avoid Improper Disposal
Never throw, burn, or bury waste in public spaces, streets, or water bodies. Always dispose of waste through approved channels.
6. Handle Biomedical Waste Separately
Biomedical waste must not be mixed with regular waste. It must be treated and disposed of according to special guidelines.

Duties of Bulk Waste Generators:

1. Registration with Local Bodies
To ensure compliance, bulk waste generators must register with the local body via a centralized online portal. This registration ensures that the generator follows all waste management rules and maintains transparency. Any changes in the information provided must be updated promptly.

2. Proper Waste Collection and Disposal
Bulk waste generators must arrange for the collection and proper disposal of dry, sanitary, and special care waste. This waste must be handed over to authorized waste collectors or agencies designated by the local body.

3. Processing Wet and Horticultural Waste
To reduce landfill waste, wet and horticultural waste should be processed through composting or biomethanation. New bulk waste generators are required to set up decentralized processing facilities. Existing generators who cannot set up on-site facilities must obtain an Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR) certificate from the local body.
4. Disposal of Residual Waste
Once wet and horticultural waste has been processed, any residual waste must be handed over to authorized waste processors for further treatment. This ensures no waste is left untreated.
5. Developing Waste Processing Facilities
Bulk waste generators engaged in construction or public facility projects (e.g., shopping malls, airports) are required to develop facilities for waste collection and processing. These facilities must comply with all waste management regulations.
6. Biomedical Waste Handling
Biomedical waste must be segregated and never mixed with other waste. Generators of biomedical waste are required to report and ensure its proper disposal through authorized entities.

Duties of Operators of Solid Waste Processing Facilities

Operators of solid waste processing facilities must adhere to several crucial duties to ensure the proper management and environmental safety of the facility:
1.    Registration: Operators must register on a centralized online portal for various types of waste processing facilities, including those handling wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste, as well as Waste-to-Energy (WtE), Compressed Biogas (CBG), composting, and incineration units.
2.    Treatment Standards: Facilities must ensure that their treatment processes meet safety standards, preventing harm to human health and the environment, as per Schedule II guidelines.
3.    Residual Waste Management: Any residual solid waste generated should be handed over to registered waste processors or third parties, especially for decentralized waste processing.
4.    Pollution Control Approvals: Necessary approvals must be obtained from the State Pollution Control Board before beginning operations.
5.    Trained Workforce: A facility must employ trained personnel to manage waste processing operations efficiently and safely.

Duties of local body and/or the concessionaire/ third party authorized by local body

Local authorities, contractors, or third parties handling solid waste must register on a central online portal and follow the rules set by the government. They must collect, separate, and transport waste in an environmentally safe way. The waste should be handed over to authorized recycling or processing facilities, and proper certificates must be issued based on verified reports. It is important to follow safety and environmental standards to prevent harm. Waste must stay separated during collection and transport. Vehicles used should have different sections for different types of waste, be well-maintained, and have pollution control certificates, and tracking devices in cities with over fifty thousand people. Workers must be given safety gear and proper training. Reports on waste collection, sources, and processing facilities must be submitted regularly and shared online for transparency.

Duties of entity involved in sorting of recyclable/ non-recyclable waste at Material Recovery Facility

Entities responsible for sorting recyclable and non-recyclable waste at Material Recovery Facilities must be registered with the local authority. They must follow the standards and guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board and ensure that all activities comply with these regulations. Any hazardous waste generated must be managed as per the rules for hazardous waste disposal. The sorted waste should be sent only to register waste processing or recycling facilities. These entities must report the amount of waste received, sorted, and sent for processing through an online portal every three months. They are not allowed to work with unregistered organizations and must ensure that only trained personnel handle waste sorting operations.

Solid Waste Management in Hilly Areas as per Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Solid Waste Management in Hilly Areas under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) involves strict guidelines to protect the environment. Waste must be collected at transfer stations and transported to a landfill in plain areas, ideally within 25 kilometers. If no suitable land is available, a regional landfill should be developed. Local authorities must enforce anti-littering rules and ensure waste disposal in designated bins. Producers, brands, and waste generators are responsible for collecting and processing their waste. Waste management rules should be communicated to tourists via entry points, hotels, and signage. A small environmental fee may fund waste collection and recycling. Decentralized waste processing centers using step garden methods should be set up to optimize space, and hospitality businesses are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices under the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating.