EPR Registration for Solid Waste
If you are an importer, manufacturer, or brand owner, you might have heard about EPR Registration for Solid Waste. Under the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), the Government of India has introduced several waste management regulations to help India move toward a healthier, better tomorrow. India has introduced several categories under Extended Producer Responsibility that you can access online through the CPCB portal, as per your business requirements.
In this article, you will find all the categories that fall under the EPR Registration for Solid Waste. Solid Waste in EPR Registration is a broad term that includes multiple categories, such as plastic waste, e-waste, and more. If you are also confused about where to register and under which category your products fall, Falcon Freight can guide you and help you from identifying your product’s category to getting your EPR registration.
What is Included in Solid Waste EPR Registration?
Several government environmental ministries and national pollution control boards define EPR categories. These institutions include the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the CPCB. The Pollution Control Boards classify material types into regulatory categories and monitor compliance through a central digital portal.
Solid Waste EPR Registration is a broad term that applies to several categories. Plastic Waste, Tyre Waste, E-waste, and Battery Waste are all part of Solid Waste that the government is working to manage to create a better tomorrow. Let us look at each category in detail to learn more.
EPR Registration for Plastic Waste
Any business introducing plastic packaging or plastic products in the Indian market should obtain EPR Registration for Plastic Waste through CPCB’s centralized EPR Portal. In addition to producers, brand owners, and importers, plastic waste processors must also register for an EPR Certificate to avoid future government fines and penalties. You must register on the government’s portal for EPR Registration and submit all required documents. Some specific documents for the Plastic Waste category that you will be asked to upload are Audited Sales and Consumption Data, Plastic Category Breakdown, and EPR Action Plan.
5 categories define EPR Plastic Waste:
- Rigid Plastic Packaging is the structured and stiff plastic that can retain its shape, like bottles, cans, plastic crates, etc.
- Flexible Plastic Packaging includes single-layer or multi-layer plastics where at least one layer is plastic and does not include any other material. Some examples are bubble wrap, milk pouches, garbage bags, etc.
- Multilayered Plastic Packaging (MLP) is packaging where one layer is plastic and is combined with other materials. Examples include chip bags, tetra packs, pharmaceutical blister packaging, and more.
- Compostable Plastics are made from biodegradable materials that can decompose without leaving a toxic residue. For example, plant-based containers, compostable bags, and biodegradable liners.
- Biodegradable Plastics can degrade through biological processes. These products also do not leave any toxic residue. Examples include eco-friendly packaging and agricultural mulch films.
EPR Registration for E-Waste
Any business that handles any of the 106+ electronic product categories listed under Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, must obtain EPR Registration for E-Waste. These categories include IT equipment, telecom, consumer appliances, solar panels, and medical devices. So, if you are a manufacturer, brand owner, importer, or a recycler, you must apply for an EPR certificate.
E-Waste Categories are divided into 6 subparts, which are:
- IT and Telecommunications
- Consumer Electrical and Electronics
- Large and Small Electrical Equipment
- Electrical and Electronic Tools
- Medical Devices and Laboratory Instruments
- Photovoltaic Panels
Different from the plastic waste EPR System, the e-waste EPR System works differently. The CPCB assigns firms an annual recycling target based on past sales volumes and product lifespan. Your business must also partner with a registered recycler that can recycle e-waste. Lastly, the recycler transfers your e-waste recycling credits to your CPCB portal, which fulfils the legal obligation.
Currently, India has set up a recycling target of 70% for e-waste products. You must report your sales quarterly and file an annual return so the government can track your data regularly. If you fail to meet the target, your business may face environmental compensation. If your paperwork is incomplete, your consignments can also be blocked at the port of entry.
EPR Registration for Battery Waste
Under CPCB, the EPR Registration for Battery Waste is governed by the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. It covers all types of batteries regardless of their size, shape, weight, usage, or chemistry. Either the producer or the importer that puts batteries into the Indian market is responsible for battery waste recycling and refurbishing.
Types of batteries that are covered under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, are:
- Portable Batteries like AA/AAA batteries, rechargeable batteries, and small electronics batteries.
- Automotive Batteries include two-wheeler batteries and car batteries.
- Electric Vehicle Batteries
- Industrial Batteries for industrial equipment, backup systems, and more.
Battery EPR is no longer limited to one battery chemistry. It also includes Lithium-ion, Lead-acid, Nickel-based batteries, and so on.
Before applying for EPR Registration for Battery Waste, you must know the battery category and chemistry, along with your sales data. You should also know the quantity you want to produce or import. However, unlike other waste streams, the government hasn’t set a single recycling target for battery waste EPR registration. But it has set a 70% baseline recycling target for the coming years.
Battery Waste EPR Vs E-Waste EPR
If you are an importer or a producer, you should know where to register and which EPR Certificate you need for your business. For example, if you deal with laptops. You need to register for two different EPR certificates. You need two certificates. First, you need an e-waste EPR certificate to recycle the laptop’s body. Second, you need a battery EPR certificate for the batteries inside the laptop.
If you fail to fill out either of the EPRs, you might have to endure penalties or fines from another department. So, you need to be sure about all the equipment fitted inside your product, not just the exterior.
EPR Registration for Tyre Waste
Tyre Waste also falls under the Solid Waste Category, which requires a separate EPR Registration. If you are an importer or a producer of tyres and tyre-related products, you need an EPR certificate to avoid any legal blockades in future. For tyre waste EPR registration, the Government of India has mandated a 100% recycling target. Tyre waste EPR registration is a legal requirement under the Hazardous and Other Waste Rules, Schedule IX. As India stands among the top consumers and producers of tyres and tyre-fitted vehicles, this measure becomes important for a cleaner state.
Once your company is registered for tyre waste EPR, the registration is valid for 2 years. After it expires, you must renew your registration by updating your details on the CPCB online portal.
Although the government has set a 100% recycling target for tyre waste, penalties for non-compliance are not as strict as for other categories.
How Can We Help?
At Falcon, you will find perfect guidance and a highly experienced team who can help you differentiate between all EPR registrations for Solid Waste. We will understand your products and guide you throughout the registration process. With us, you will receive updates on EPR registration deadlines, documentation requirements to avoid future issues, and on-time records of your registration process.
Falcon Freight, with over 30 years of experience in freight forwarding and logistics, helps businesses avoid delays, manage shipments, and anticipate challenges before they create problems.
If you have any questions, contact us at +91-9311595648 or email us at cargodeal@falconfreight.com.
Conclusion
EPR Registration for solid waste has become a mandatory and important step for all producers, importers and recyclers. This makes any firm that introduces waste into the Indian market more accountable and responsible. It helps keep Indian markets tidy and hazard-free. Solid waste is an umbrella term that covers several waste categories. The government has separate EPR frameworks for plastic packaging, tyre waste, and other notified solid wastes. These frameworks require different documents to support your filing and certification. Some products require more than one EPR registration, and some may not need an EPR certificate.
For more information and clarity on these EPR regulations and penalties, you can call us at +91-9311595648 or email us at cargodeal@falconfreight.com.
