An Overview of Plastic Waste Management Setup
Plastic waste management setup (PWM) is a regulatory framework designed to ensure that plastic waste is collected, recycled, and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. The businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or using packaging are required to comply with PWM rules under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism.
Plastic waste management is a process of recycling plastic to modify it into valuable products. This is one of the greatest business opportunities aimed at reducing the amount of plastic waste generated in the country and properly disposing of it.
At Enterclimate, we will help you with plastic waste management setup, licensing support, and compliance management solutions.
Plastic Waste Management Market Size
In India, the plastic waste management market is anticipated to touch a projected revenue of US$ 1,632.0 million by 2030. It is expected that the India plastic waste management will continue to grow at a CAGR rate of 4.9%.
What is Plastic Waste?
Plastic waste refers to the unwanted accumulation of discharged plastic products and materials in the environment, whether due to improper disposal, illegal dumping, or accumulation in landfills. It includes common items, such as bottles, bags, containers, straws, packaging, microplastics, and other single-use plastics that are improperly disposed of.
The plastic waste, having a non-biodegradable nature, comprises the following constituents as provided below:
- Consumer waste such as bottles, bags, and cups
- Industrial scrap such as trimmings and rejected materials
- Microplastics, with less than 5 mm in size
- Marine debris, from sources like abandoned fishing gear and land-based litter
Need for Plastic Waste Management Setup
The growing plastic pollution crisis has made it essential to establish a robust plastic waste management setup in India. Have a look at the following reasons as discussed below:
Minimize Plastic Waste Plastic waste management setup helps reduce the rapid urbanization of millions of tonnes of plastic waste every year.
Reduce Environmental Impact Plastic waste management setup helps reduce the environmental impact on soil, water, and air pollution caused by the mismanaged plastic waste in India.
Eliminate Health Risks: Plastic waste management setup ensures the elimination of harmful toxins and microplastics that affect human and animal health.
Ensure Legal Compliance: Plastic waste management setup ensures keeping business aligned with plastic waste management rules and EPR guidelines, avoiding penalties.
Generate Business Idea: EPR authorization for plastic waste management opens new ventures in recycling, waste processing, and sustainable products.
Generate Large Scale Employment: EPR authorization for plastic waste management provides jobs in collection, segregation, recycling, and supply chains.
Improves Market Reputation: EPR authorization for plastic waste management strengthens a company’s image as a socially and environmentally responsible brand.
Categories of Plastic Waste in India
The different categories of plastic waste in India are discussed below:
The plastic waste, having a non-biodegradable nature, comprises the following constituents as provided below:
- Category I: Rigid Plastic- The category I, also known as rigid plastic waste, includes the hard, inflexible plastics, such as PET bottles and other containers.
- Category II: Flexible Plastic: The category II categories of plastic waste encompass thin, blended plastic materials such as plastic bags, pouches, and single or multi-layered flexible packaging.
- Category III: Multi-Layered Plastic: The category III, also known as multi-layered plastic waste, comprises packaging that has multiple layers of plastic, potentially combined with other non-plastic materials, such as certain snack packaging.
- Category IV: Compostable Plastic: Category IV, also known as compostable plastic waste, covers plastic materials designed to be compostable, like biodegradable bags and wraps.
Documents Needed for Plastic Waste Management in India
As per the PWM Rules, the documents needed for obtaining an EPR authorization for the plastic waste management in India are as discussed below:
- Copy of GST certificate and CIN
- Authorization under Hazardous Waste Management Rules
- Pictures with Geotags of the raw materials storage area
- Pictures with Geotags of machinery installed in the plastic waste processing plant
- Analysis report of the characterization of waste generated
- Copy of the occupational safety and health aspect document
- Copy of onsite/offsite disaster management plan
- Details of the Aadhaar and PAN Card of the authorized person
- Copy of Consent to Establish (CTE)
- Copy of permission from the concerned Department/Ministry for selling the product
- Self-declarations on Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)
- Copy of DGFT permission/license from the International Electrotechnical Commission
- Copy of agreement with PRO
Eligibility Criteria for Plastic Waste Management Setup
Setting up a plastic waste management system in India requires compliance with the following eligibility criteria for plastic waste management setup, as discussed below:
- A valid business registration in India
- Machinery and tools for plastic waste recycling
- Verification of ownership or lease for premises
- Proper electricity and water supply for the recycling plant
- Authorization from the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
- Authorization from the Pollution Control Committee (PCC)
- Detailed environmental management plan
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plan for producers, importers, or brand owners
- Comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- Adherence to guidelines and standards for managing plastic waste
- Submission of yearly reports to the CPCB or SPCB
How to Get EPR Authorization for Plastic Waste Management?
The process to obtain an EPR authorization for plastic waste management for producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) is as discussed below:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility Criteria
The first step requires determining the eligibility criteria for your business falling under the category of producer, importer, or brand owner (PIBO) as defined under the Plastic Waste Management Rules.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documentation
The next step requires the businesses to gather necessary documents, such as business registration certificates, GST details, PAN, product details, and an action plan.
Step 3: Submit Application with CPCB
In the next step, the businesses submit an online application form through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portal if operating across multiple states.
Step 4: Attach EPR Action Plan
Next, the applicant is required to prepare the EPR action plan, outlining how your business will collect, recycle, or dispose of the plastic waste generated in India.
Step 5: Verification by Authorities
Once the application is submitted, the CPCB or SPCB will review your documents, verify compliance measures, and seek clarification before approving.
Step 6: Grant of EPR Authorization
Upon successful verification, the CPCB or SPCB must grant the EPR authorization certification, allowing them to operate in compliance with the PWM Rules legally.
Step 7: Ensure Post-Authorization Compliance
Lastly, the business must maintain proper business records, file annual returns, and ensure continuous compliance with recycling and waste management targets.
Machines Required for Plastic Waste Management Setup
The following is the list of machines required for a plastic waste management setup:
- Separators – used for sorting different types of plastics and separating contaminants
- Rotary Shears – heavy-duty cutting machines that reduce large plastic waste
- Universal Shredders – break plastic into uniform, manageable sizes
- Centrifuge Separator – removes moisture and impurities from plastic waste
- Conveyor Belts – ensure smooth movement of waste materials across different stages
Validity and Renewal of Plastic Waste Management Setup
The EPR authorization for plastic waste management setup, subject to the approval from the CPCB or SPCB, is generally valid for 3 years. The validity period may vary depending on the type of authorization, such as the initial plastic waste authorization.
To continue operations without interruption, the businesses must apply for renewal of their authorization. Moreover, the plastic waste management setup requires submission of the renewal application at least 120 days before the expiry and renewal based on fulfilling regulatory conditions.
Difference b/w Plastic Waste Management & Extended Producer Responsibility
The key differences between plastic waste management (PWM) and Extended producer responsibility (EPR) are as follows:
| S. No. | Aspect | Plastic Waste Management | Extended Producer Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meaning | A broader framework that ensures managing all the activities related to the collection, segregation, recycling, and disposal of plastic waste generated in India. | A specific mechanism under PWM Rules that makes producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for managing waste generated from their products. |
| 2 | Scope | It covers waste collection, recycling, facilities, infrastructure, transportation, and compliance monitoring. | The scope of EPR extends only to the responsibility of PIBO, ensuring proper management of plastic waste linked to their products. |
| 3 | Authorization | Requires plastic waste authorization from CPCB or SPCB to set up a recycling or waste management facility. | Requires EPR authorization from CPCB or SPCB to legally operate and meet waste management obligations. |
| 4 | Stakeholders | Involves recyclers, waste processors, local bodies, NGOs, PROs, and government agencies. | Primarily involves producers, importers, brand owners, and PRO. |
| 5 | Impact on Businesses | Mostly impacts recyclers, processors, and waste management companies. | Directly impacts manufacturers, importers, and brand owners who use plastic in products or packaging. |
| 6 | Regulation | Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and related amendments. | Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 with specific compliance guidelines. |
Timeline for Securing Plastic Waste Management Setup
The timeline required for securing a plastic waste management setup generally takes around 15 days to 60 days. The exact duration depends on factors such as the type of project, scale of operations, and the location where the setup is being established.
Cost of Obtaining Plastic Waste Management Setup
The cost of obtaining a plastic waste management setup in India starts from Rs. 20 to 30 lakhs and can increase depending on the scale of operations, type of plastic processed, plant capacity, level of automation, and location. Moreover, the total investment cost includes various components such as machinery, equipment, land, infrastructure, transportation, and permits.
How Enterclimate Assists in Plastic Waste Management Setup?
Enterclimate is a trusted compliance partner for businesses planning to establish a plastic waste management setup in India. Connect with us to simplify the entire process with regulatory requirements and setup approval, as discussed below:
- 10+ years of compliance expertise in environmental laws and waste management projects
- Successfully assisted 500+ businesses in packaging, FMCG, plastic, and recycling sectors
- Complete documentation support for EPR authorization from CPCB or SPCB
- Offers end-to-end assistance in establishing your PWM setup
- Post-approval support for compliance reporting and meeting annual waste management targets
- Customized solutions based on your business model, scale of operations, and product line
- Simplified renewal support for obtaining PER authorizations for plastic waste management
- Conducts capacity-building sessions in compliance with PWM Rules
- Ensure obtaining regulatory approvals in coordination with authorities
- Assists in establishing recycling units and supply chain management
- Provides one-stop support for all your legal requirements concerning your EPR
- Provides 24/7 expert consultancy in environmental compliance
- Comprises a quick response team for prompt and seamless communication
- Promotes sustainable practices by reducing environmental footprint in the startup space
- Utilize cutting-edge technology to streamline the plastic waste disposal process
FAQs on Plastic Waste Management Setup
The process to set up a plastic waste management company requires compliance with the following steps, as discussed below:
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility Criteria
- Step 2: Gather Necessary Documentation
- Step 3: Submit Application with CPCB
- Step 4: Attach EPR Action Plan
- Step 5: Verification by Authorities
- Step 6: Grant of EPR Authorization
- Step 7: Ensure Post-Authorization Compliance
The process of plastic waste management ensures safe and efficient collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal of plastic waste, to minimize its negative environmental and health impacts in India.
Yes, waste management can be a profitable business, driven by increasing waste generation, strict government regulations, environmental awareness, and the opportunity to convert waste into valuable resources.
The process of plastic waste management in India is primarily governed by the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, and amendments, establishing a legal framework, including details of plastic waste, responsibilities for waste generators, and details of local bodies.
The plastic waste management authority in India is the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)/ State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC).
EPR authorization for plastic waste management is a certificate granted to legally allow businesses to collect, store, transport, process, or recycle plastic waste in India.
Yes, the EPR authorization for plastic waste management is compulsory for producers, importers, and brand owners of plastic products in India.
India managed about 40% to 60% of its plastic waste, with figures from different years and varying sources.
