Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs:
description
Transcript of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs:
Programs to decrease e-waste
Minimize toxic
materials in electronics (DFE, eco-
design)
Minimize release of
toxics at end of life
(recycling, reusing,
avoid landfills and incineration)
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs:Producer is responsible until the post-consumer stage, including its disposalIncludes costs of treatment and disposal in the product’s priceCan be voluntary or mandatoryExamples are take back programs
International programs
Basel convention Regulates movement of hazardous waste between
countries Solving the e-Waste Problem (StEP) initiative
UN led program Platform to exchange and develop knowledge on WEEE systems
European Union programs
Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Sets a limit on amount of hazardous substances in
new EEE Energy using Products (EuP) directive
Sets eco-design requirement for new products WEEE directive
Manufacturers must take back their products for proper disposal
Aims to prevent generation of WEEE by promoting reuse and recycling
United States Programs
Electronics’ life cycle is a linear progression No federal regulation Some states have independently implemented
WEEE programs Some companies (Sharp, Toshiba, Panasonic) have
launched their own nationwide recycling program
Canadian Programs
Electronic Product Stewardship (EPS) Canada Collaboration between industry and government to
find a solution Founded by 16 leading electronics manufacturers Since 2004, electronics recycling programs across
Canada have diverted over 172,000 tonnes of end-of-life electronics from landfill
Recycle my cell No restrictions on hazardous substances
in EEE
Albertan programs
Alberta Waste Electronic Incentive Program (2004) Encourage waste minimization and recycling Provides a framework for voluntary collection,
transportation and recycling of electronics Doesn’t require take back, recycling or ban
landfilling Relies on public education/availability of disposal
sites
Asia, Africa and Latin America
80% of global WEEE are exported to Asia Increase in use of EEE Informal waste management sector is
dominant WEEE scavenging, recycling, dismantling are
huge sources of employment Lack of legislation Lack of logistical infrastructure
What can we learn from these programs?
The new EU directive requires member states that generate more waste to get rid of more waste
How to encourage producers to minimize waste? Assign financial responsibility for WEEE Legislation Consumer demand
Bureaucracy governs legislation Effects of laws may be seen years/decades from now
Harmonization on national/international levels is needed Programs should be adjusted depending on the
region/country of implementation