Reforming Plastic Waste Management: A Legal Perspective on Extended Producer Responsibility and Circular Economy Policies

Abstract

Environment is what we all have and is what we all need to protect and preserve. The exponential growth of plastic waste is becoming a pressing environmental concern, necessitating a paradigm shift in waste management strategies. The usability and ready availability of plastic makes it impossible to eliminate it from our lifestyle but at the same time the problem of the waste accumulated over the years is of a growing concern. This paper examines the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Circular Economy (CE) policies in reforming plastic waste management from a legal perspective. Extended Producer Responsibility is a cornerstone of circular economic policies, it assigns manufacturers responsibility for the waste generated by their products. This approach has been increasingly adopted globally, with varying degrees of success. This paper analyzes the legal frameworks governing EPR, highlighting best practices and challenges. A critical examination of Circular economic policies reveals that they often lack a robust legal foundation, hindering effective implementation. A harmonized legal framework is essential for the success of plastic waste management system in an economy. The paper concludes on a note that legally robust policy framework is the need of the hour.  It emphasizes the need for policymakers to adopt a holistic approach, incorporating product design, waste management, and education, to address the plastic waste crisis efficiently and effectively.