CPCB Issues Show Cause Notice for Non-Compliance with Plastic Waste Management Rules

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has issued a Show Cause Notice to producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) for failing to comply with the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016. This notice specifically addresses the non-submission of Annual Returns for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets for FY 2022-23 and 2023-24, raising concerns about plastic pollution and waste management in India.

Key Details of the Notification

1. EPR Guidelines for Plastic Waste Management: Under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, PIBOs are required to set and meet targets for collecting, recycling, and managing plastic waste. They must report their progress annually via the CPCB’s Centralized EPR Portal.

2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): EPR Guidelines, updated in February 2022, mandate producers, importers, and brand owners to ensure proper management and recycling of plastic packaging waste, enhancing accountability.

3. Environmental Compensation (EC): Non-compliance with EPR obligations can result in penalties, including Environmental Compensation (EC). This is calculated based on the shortfall in EPR targets and applies the polluter pays principle, holding waste generators accountable for the management costs.

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Entities failing to file returns for FY 2022-23 and 2023-24 may face:

   • Auto-filing of Annual Returns by CPCB.

   • 25% increase in EPR targets for FY 2024-25.

   • Environmental Compensation based on plastic waste category shortfalls.

    

5. Deadline for Action:

   The notice requires recipients to respond within 7 days. Failure to comply may result in further penalties under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

What Does This Mean for PIBOs?

1. Immediate Action Required: Check and ensure compliance with EPR obligations for FY 2022-23 and 2023-24. Submit any pending Annual Returns promptly.

2. Financial Penalties: Non-compliance can result in significant costs, including EC and increased EPR targets.

3. Future Impact: Adhering to EPR rules is critical for environmental responsibility, market reputation, and long-term sustainability.

Steps to Respond to the Show Cause Notice

1. Review Compliance: Verify if your organization has filed EPR returns for the specified years.

2. Submit a Response: Address any disputes or issues by submitting a response within the 7-day deadline.

3. Resolve Shortfalls: Rectify EPR target shortfalls and provide supporting documentation.

4. Contact CPCB: Send a soft copy of your response to eprplasticscn@gmail.com and a hard copy to the CPCB office.

Conclusion

The CPCB’s Show Cause Notice underscores the importance of accountability in plastic waste management. As India strengthens its environmental laws, PIBOs must prioritize compliance with Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and EPR Guidelines to reduce plastic pollution and contribute to a sustainable future.

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