What exactly is extended producer responsibility in India? This policy approach places the responsibility of treating and disposing of post-consumer products on producers, while also encouraging users to find ways to extend the lifespan of end-of-life products. An example of this would be electronic gadget manufacturers refurbishing and reusing spent gadgets. However, the implementation of this policy in India faces significant challenges.
One major challenge is the lack of awareness regarding proper e-waste management. Additionally, there is inadequate infrastructure to support the collection, treatment, and recycling of waste. There are also significant gaps between recyclers, aggregators, and waste generators, making it difficult to channel waste properly.
It is crucial that these challenges are addressed and overcome in order for extended producer responsibility to have a positive impact in India. Otherwise, the potential benefits of this approach may not be fully realized.