What Is EPR and Why Does Nepal Need It?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy that makes producers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products. In Nepal, where waste management infrastructure is limited and informal sectors play a significant role, EPR can help reduce environmental pollution, promote recycling, and create green jobs.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy that makes producers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products. In Nepal, where waste management infrastructure is limited and informal sectors play a significant role, EPR can help reduce environmental pollution, promote recycling, and create green jobs.
Learning from South Asia: India’s EPR Framework
India’s EPR regulations require producers to collect and recycle a set percentage of their plastic packaging waste. This approach has led to increased recycling rates and greater industry accountability. Nepal can adapt these lessons by:
Challenges and Opportunities in Nepal
Implementing EPR in Nepal faces hurdles such as weak enforcement, lack of funding, and the need for local adaptation. However, these challenges also present opportunities:
India’s EPR regulations require producers to collect and recycle a set percentage of their plastic packaging waste. This approach has led to increased recycling rates and greater industry accountability. Nepal can adapt these lessons by:
- Clarifying roles: Clearly defining who counts as a “producer,” especially for imported goods.
- Setting targets: Establishing realistic collection and recycling targets.
- Engaging stakeholders: Involving informal waste pickers and local communities in the process.
Challenges and Opportunities in Nepal
Implementing EPR in Nepal faces hurdles such as weak enforcement, lack of funding, and the need for local adaptation. However, these challenges also present opportunities:
- Capacity building: Training local authorities and waste workers.
- Public-private partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between government, industry, and NGOs.
- Innovative funding: Exploring sustainable financing mechanisms.
Green Smith Nepal’s Call to Action
Green Smith Nepal advocates for a strong EPR framework that is inclusive, transparent, and adaptable. By learning from regional examples and focusing on local needs, Nepal can pave the way for sustainable waste management.
Green Smith Nepal advocates for a strong EPR framework that is inclusive, transparent, and adaptable. By learning from regional examples and focusing on local needs, Nepal can pave the way for sustainable waste management.
