EPR in Plastic Waste Management: Policy Tool yet to be Realised

Managing single use plastic waste is increasingly becoming difficult as compared to its rampant use in packaging products. It's the benefits, both technical and cost, which make it a sought-after packaging material choice. At the same time, it imposes environmental hazards in decomposing it with limited options for recycling. This article attempts to decode the policy instrument called Extended Producer Responsibility in managing plastic waste. Plastic waste management rules 2016 had introduced the instrument of EPR which makes the producer responsible for the plastic waste introduced by them in the market. Given the present condition of plastic litter in the cities and municipal corporations working on their own to manage this menace it appears that the policy tool is not implemented in true sense This paper examines the genesis of implementation mechanisms, the success or failure of the same in curbing or managing the plastic waste from the producers end. It also attempts to look into the role of intermediaries, feasibility of reverse logistics, introduction of appropriate incentives and disincentives to make the policy instrument effective.