Everything You Should Know About EPR And PROs?

Are you aware of the importance of waste management? It is a strategic endeavour to collect, treat, process, and dispose of discarded products the right way. If you are not already aware, the lack of effective waste management stands out as a global concern. It clogs up landfills, contaminates the ground, and produces harmful gases that are threatening to the environment and human health.

Are you heedful about the waste disposal techniques practised centuries ago? Well, people dug holes in the ground to dump off their waste. Of course, the waste generated was much less back then. With the rapidly growing population and increasing industrialisation, a spike in waste production is only obvious. Hence, segregating waste as organic and non-biodegradable and disposing of the waste have become incredibly challenging. Unfortunately, tossing out the waste in landfills or processing the waste to decompose unnaturally is disastrous, expensive, and time-consuming.

What’s new in the field of waste management is EPR or extended producer responsibility. Are you wondering what EPR solutions are all about? We shall certainly explain. However, it is first crucial to understand why recycling or traditional environmental practices failed to perform as a sustainable approach.

What led to the introduction of circular economy?

How often do you hear of the Arctic melting, the coral reefs drying, or the forests burning? It is no surprise that ecological crises are quite evident. Right from global warming and climate changes to overpopulation, greenhouse effects, and more, environmental degradation is definitely an alarming issue. Little do you know that improper waste management contributes to the growing environmental challenges. Recycling certainly aims to tackle the increasing environmental consequences. However, the process fails to turn out as effective as anticipated.

Any clue why? Well, recycling is an end-of-pipe approach that reuses and treats the waste created. Believe it or not but the environmental benefits of recycling are overrated. Besides, there are limitations to recycling. For example, items like wax boxes and ceramics cannot be recycled. Moreover, recycling does not put an end to the generation of waste. To nip it in the bud, it is crucial to cut down the amount of waste generated first. This is where the importance of circular economy was first realised.

How is circular economy different to the conventional techniques of recycling?

Circular economy is an upstream and strategic solution that addresses the core problem right at the source. Wondering what the problem is? Creation of waste. Recycling, on the other hand, addresses the concern using a linear approach of take-make-waste. Here’s an example worth thinking about:

How do you discard a plastic bottle once you’ve emptied it? You either carelessly trash the bottle in the bin, or if you are environmentally conscious, you will dump the plastic bottle in a designated recycling bin. This is definitely a good approach. However, little do you realise that the bottle is further downcycled and loses its value with time.

For better and more strategic handling of this waste, circular economy prioritises rethinking and creation of sustainable product designs. The idea is to prevent the creation of waste at all costs. Besides, circular economy is an enhanced and pragmatic strategy that incentivises manufacturers to use raw materials and create products that are durable and long-lasting. Also, the products should be eco-friendly and ergonomically designed to facilitate easy recycling and refurbishing.

Another crucial thing to consider is the gradual extinction of natural resources owing to amplified demand and irresponsible consumer behaviour. Are you less aware or have forgotten that the raw materials that go into the making of consumables are extracted from natural materials that are finite and limited? Despite promoting awareness around recycling, efforts to conserve natural resources strike as a big fail. Hence, circular economy is an environmental protection policy that focuses on maximising the conservation of natural and raw materials. It also aims to boost the value of products for a longer time.

How is EPR a solution to sustainable waste management?

EPR services are a binding and strategic approach that drives enhanced implementation of circular economy techniques. It is a no-brainer that no amount of awareness is enough to coerce consumers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, or recyclers to switch to an environmentally sound and strategic waste management procedure. This quite explains why less than 10% of the scrap piling up in landfills is truly treated. And that, too, by unauthorized recyclers.

Have you had a chance to walk across a dump yard? Well, the horrible odour is not the only issue. The chemicals and metals leaking into the environment build up toxicity in the air and groundwater. Results? Climate changes, loss of biodiversity, and severe health hazards. By introducing EPR authorization, the environmentalists, in collaboration with the government, take a solid step forward. If you have not already guessed, EPR solutions are obligatory for business owners and manufacturers, especially in the electronic and plastic sectors.

EPR Facts:

EPR authorization clearly entrusts producers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs with guidelines to collect, treat, and dispose of waste in environmental-friendly ways.

The regulations are exquisitely monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board.

It is mandatory for manufacturers and business owners to submit quarterly reports of the waste that’s collected and handled, as per the norms.

Failure to stay compliant with the authorized EPR solutions is guaranteed to attract serious penalties.

To stay abreast of the EPR regulations, it is undoubtedly wise to seek assistance from a proficient and knowledgeable EPR consultant. However, if you are looking for a more permanent and professional solution, connect with an authorized PRO right away.

What is PRO?

PROs are Public Responsibility Organizations that streamline and manage the ins and outs of EPR solutions. Keeping up with environmental and legal responsibilities is not easy. Think about it – is it simple to keep tabs on post-consumer waste, collect it, segregate the waste, and finally, recycle it? Definitely not! A PRO is an authorized firm that ensures that the end-to-end details of EPR regulations are perfectly met.

In short, PROs help businesses to keep up with the EPR compliance rules. One of the eminent names in the country is Karo Sambhav. The organisation offers real-time supervision and accurate insights about the strategies, performance, and EPR practices. Moreover, Karo Sambhav executes all necessary legal formalities with optimum transparency to keep businesses protected and the environment in good shape.

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