The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility appears to be one of the better tools we have to drive waste prevention and investment in waste management… but is it working as it’s meant to?
On 26 November 2024 I hosted a webinar to explore the effectiveness of EPR in countries where waste management is not a formalised service.
🔴 Are frontline workers receiving fair benefits from the money raised through EPR?
🔴 Is the system transparent and achieving its aims?
🔴 Is money being raised delivering positive change?
If not, why not?
What can other countries learn?
How can we develop EPR systems in the Global South that recognise and reward the 10,000s of people returning materials to the value chain?
The discussion featured:
Shobha Raghavan, CEO of Saahas Zero Waste in India
Melanie Samson, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa
Sergio Bon, Circular Economy Director of La Ciudad Posible Global in Argentina
(You can watch it here)
Key takeaways to deliver a just transition to a circular economy…
PRO Responsibilities:
📈 Measure and report on social indicators e.g. jobs created (and sustained!).
👷♀️ Provide training to improve the safety and performance of waste workers.
💵 Pay at least minimum wage preferably with a flat service fee.
♻️ Promote segregation at source among waste producers.
🦺 Provide PPE, childcare 👩🍼 and safe places to work.
Government responsibilities:
🏛️ Create participatory decision-making fora in which all actors have a FAIR seat at the table. Bring the table to where the waste pickers work – avoid holding meetings in government buildings.
📝 Create a national waste picker registration system so workers don’t have to register with multiple PROs. This may be better managed by an independent, trusted, neutral third party.
🕊️ Monitor compliance and manage dispute resolution.
🚚 Provide support to waste workers with decent infrastructure, logistics and transport.
🧑💻 Require PROs to monitor and report on social indicators.
What’s your view? Join our conversation on LinkedIn.