An Overview of Plastic Waste Processor Authorization
Plastic waste processor authorization is a mandatory legal approval under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016. Any business or facility engaged in recycling, co-processing, waste-to-energy, or any other plastic waste treatment activity must obtain this authorization before starting operations. It also ensures that recycling and processing activities are carried out in compliance with environmental regulations.
The plastic waste processor authorization is not just a regulatory formality but a crucial step for businesses handling plastic waste to operate legally and sustainably in India. PWP authorization is simply required for companies involved in the processing of plastic waste under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Worried about the challenges in the path of plastic waste processor authorization? If yes, schedule an appointment with seasoned consultants at Enterclimate and enjoy the seamless authorization journey.
What is Plastic Waste Processor?
Plastic waste processor (PWP) is an entity involved in the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of plastic waste. It plays an important role in managing plastic waste generated by various industries, households, and commercial establishments. Their responsibilities include processing plastic materials to turn them into reusable products or environmentally safe by-products.
Benefits of Securing Plastic Waste Processor Authorization
The benefits of securing a plastic waste processor authorization are as discussed below:
Legal Compliance
Securing a plastic waste processor authorization ensures your facility operates in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016.
Business Credibility
Securing a plastic waste processor authorization helps build business credibility and trust with producers, government agencies, and stakeholders.
Sustainability Goals
Securing a plastic waste processor authorization encourages recycling and reuse of plastic waste to support India’s economic model with sustainable growth.
Operational Support
Securing a plastic waste processor authorization facilitates access to ongoing support and compliance guidance from SPCB/ CPCB.
Environmental Impact
Obtaining a plastic waste processor authorization in India ensures managing waste and reducing landfills, thereby having a sustainable impact on the environment.
Market Access
Obtaining a plastic waste processor authorization provides an opportunity to collaborate with producers and brand owners, fulfilling their EPR targets.
Role of Plastic Waste Processors in India
The plastic waste processors in India play a crucial role in ensuring that plastic waste generated from industries, households, and commercial establishments is managed in an environmentally sustainable way. Have a look at the following important roles of plastic waste processors in India:
- Collection and segregation of plastic waste based on type, quality, and recyclability.
- Recycling of plastic waste into reusable raw materials or new products.
- Treatment and disposal of non-recyclable plastic waste through methods such as processing and controlled landfilling.
- Maintaining records of waste processed and submitting annual compliance reports to CPCB/SPCB.
Different Types of Plastic Waste Processors
The different types of plastic waste processors, classified based on the method used for handling plastic waste under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, are as follows:
Recyclers
Recyclers are facilities that ensure the collection, cleaning, and processing of plastic waste into granules, flakes, or pellets. It also assists in reducing the demand for virgin plastic and supports a circular economy.
Co-Processors
Co-processors are industrial units such as cement kilns and steel plants that use plastic waste as fuel or raw material during production. It is considered a safe and eco-friendly method of disposing of low-value, non-recyclable plastics.
Waste-to-Energy Plants
Waste-to-energy (WTE) plants are facilities that use technologies, such as incineration, pyrolysis, or gasification, to convert plastic waste into electricity, fuel, or heat energy.
Road Construction Units
Road construction units are plastic waste processors that make use of shredded plastic waste as an additive in bitumen for road construction. These sustainable methods of plastic waste utilization help improve road durability.
Other Treatment Facilities
Other treatment facilities are processors that adopt new technologies such as plastic-to-fuel conversion, chemical recycling, or bio-remediation methods, for reducing the environmental impact of difficult-to-recycle plastics.
Documents Needed for Plastic Waste Authorization Processor
The documents needed for the plastic waste authorization processor are as discussed below:
- Flow diagram of the manufacturing procedure for each product.
- Details of products and their production capacity (MTA).
- Consent certificate issued by the concerned Pollution Control Committee.
- Authorization under the Hazardous Waste Management Rules.
- CIN Number of the Company (Certificate of Incorporation).
- PAN or Aadhar card of the authorized personnel.
- Copy of GST certificate.
- Copy of Memorandum of Association (MoA) of the company.
- Details of Import Export Code (IEC).
- Copy of electricity bill.
- Copy of the examination report of the classification of waste generated.
- Details of disaster management plan (onsite/offsite).
- Consent to Establish (CTE) issued by the State Pollution Control Board.
- Consent to Operate (CTO) issued by the State Pollution Control Board.
- Compliance certificate of emission treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes.
- Any other necessary information, if required.
Eligibility Criteria for Plastic Waste Processor Authorization
The eligibility criteria required for securing a plastic waste processor authorization in India are as discussed below:
Business/ Entity Registration
The entities seeking plastic waste processor authorization must obtain the necessary registrations, as and when required.
Infrastructure and Facility Requirements
Employment of adequate infrastructure and facilities is a necessary eligibility criterion for the collection, segregation, and processing of plastic waste in India.
Technology & Processing Method
Use of approved technological and processing methods, such as recycling, co-processing, waste-to-energy conversion, and road construction, is required.
Environmental Clearance and Compliance
The entities must obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the SPCB/CPCB, ensuring compliance with the Hazardous Waste Management Rules.
Operational and Financial Documents
The entities must submit a detailed project report (DPR) outlining the project’s objectives and methodology employed for the processing of plastic waste in India.
Record-Keeping & Reporting Ability
The entities seeking plastic waste processor authorization are mandatorily required to maintain records and submit annual reports of plastic waste collected, processed, and disposed of.
Workforce & Safety Measures
The entities seeking plastic waste processor authorization must employ a trained and skilled workforce for safe handling, segregation, and recycling of plastic waste.
Process for Plastic Waste Processor Authorization
The detailed process to obtain a plastic waste processor authorization with the CPCB’s EPR portal in India is as discussed below:
Step 1: Apply for Business Registration
The first step requires entities to legally register their business and obtain necessary licenses, such as a factory license, GST registration, and trade license.
Step 2: Set up Infrastructure
Entities must establish an infrastructural setup with pollution control equipment to minimize emissions and ensure safe waste handling.
Step 3: Consent from SPCB/CPCB
Once the infrastructure is ready, entities must apply for Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Step 4: File Application on CPCB’s EPR Portal
After approvals from SPCB or CPCB, the registered entity must file an online application on the official CPCB’s EPR portal for plastic waste processor authorization.
Step 5: Application Fee Payment
Entities are required to pay the application fee, which is based on the processing capacity of their facility.
Step 6: Document Review and Inspection
Once the fee is paid, CPCB or the concerned authority will conduct a document review and thorough inspection of the infrastructural facility.
Step 7: Grant of PWP Authorization
Upon successful verification, CPCB issues the Plastic Waste Processor (PWP) Authorization Certificate, legally permitting the operation and handling of plastic waste in compliance with the PWM Rules.
Validity & Renewal of PWP Registration under CPCB
The plastic waste processor registration, obtained under the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), is not a one-time approval, but comes with a fixed validity period. Typically, the PWP registration under CPCB remains valid for a period of 3 years, varying based on the conditions specified at the time of approval.
To continue operations without interruption, the PWPs must apply for renewal at the online EPR portal at least 4 months before the date of their expiry. Ensuring on-time renewal not only ensures compliance but also builds trust with producers, recyclers, and other stakeholders in the plastic waste management system.
Timeline for Securing a Plastic Waste Processor Authorization
Securing a plastic waste processor authorization in India takes around 15 to 30 days, varying based on the document completeness, regulatory delays, and overall duration of site inspection. On average, the businesses that maintain complete documentation and proper infrastructural facilities can expect approval within 10 to 20 days, irrespective of cases involving deficiencies or repeated clarification.
Cost of Plastic Waste Authorization Services
The cost of plastic waste authorization services in India varies depending on the amount of plastic waste generated annually (Tons per annum- TPA). However, the government cost of obtaining a plastic waste processor authorization in India ranges somewhere between Rs. 10,000 for less than 1000 TPA, Rs. 20,000 for 1000 to 10,000 TPA, and Rs. 50,000 for more than 10,000 TPA. Moreover, the renewal fees for plastic waste processor authorization in India are typically the same as the initial application fee paid to the CPCB or SPCB.
Why Trust Enterclimate for Plastic Waste Processor Authorization?
Enterclimate is a trusted compliance partner for businesses aiming to become authorized plastic waste processors (PWPs) in India. With our end-to-end support, we help secure plastic waste processor authorization under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Connect with us today to establish fully compliant waste processing operations in India:
- 10+ years of expertise in environmental compliance and waste management projects.
- Successfully assisted 500+ businesses in processing various wastes across major sectors.
- Support in identifying eco-friendly technologies for plastic waste processing.
- Access to tie-ups with producers, recyclers, and brand owners.
- 24/7 expert guidance for regulatory queries, inspections, and compliance.
- Complete guidance for obtaining Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate.
- End-to-end setup assistance for your plastic waste processing facility.
- Customized solutions based on your business scale, product line, and waste-handling capacity.
- Conduct training sessions to ensure compliance with PWM rules.
- Simplified renewal support to maintain uninterrupted authorization validity.
- Support in building effective recycling systems and reporting structures.
- Assistance in identifying government subsidies, schemes, and machinery for waste processing.
- Dedicated experts to resolve regulatory or documentation challenges quickly.
- Expert consultation on eligibility criteria and regulatory requirements.
- Guidance to reduce the carbon footprint of plastic waste processing.
- Real-time updates on the status of your authorization process.
Frequently Asked Questions on PWP Registration under CPCB
PWP in EPR stands for Plastic Waste Processor, which is an entity involved in the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of plastic waste.
PWP (Plastic Waste Processor) authorization is a mandatory legal approval under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016. It also ensures that recycling and processing activities are carried out in compliance with environmental regulations.
The example of entities engaged in PWP, i.e., Plastic Waste Processing, is recycling, co-processing, waste-to-energy, waste-to-oil, etc.
The different types of plastic banned in India are single-use plastic items, including polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration, ear buds with plastic sticks, balloon sticks, and plastic cutlery (cups, glasses, spoons, and knives).
The benefits of obtaining PWP authorization in India are as discussed below:
- Build business credibility and trust with producers, government agencies, and stakeholders.
- Encourage recycling and reuse of plastic waste to support India’s economic model with sustainable growth.
- Facilitate access to ongoing support and compliance guidance from SPCB/CPCB.
- Manage waste and reduce landfills, creating a sustainable impact on the environment.
- Provide opportunities to collaborate with producers and brand owners, fulfilling their EPR targets.
In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is an authority responsible for issuing the plastic waste processor authorization.
The plastic waste processor certificate in India is valid for a period of 3 years, varying based on the conditions specified at the time of approval.
The plastic waste processor authorization related to EPR establishes legal compliance for entities handling plastic waste, while EPR mandates that producers, importers, and brand owners are responsible for managing their plastic products end-of-life, which includes processing through registered PWPs. However, the PWP authorization is crucial for EPR systems, because authorized PWPs provide the necessary infrastructure and certificates that allow PIBOs to meet their EPR targets for collection and processing plastic waste.
Yes, plastic waste processor authorisation is a legal requirement, bound to perform their operations only after securing a PWP certificate in India.
The law governing the PWP authorization in India is the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, and its subsequent amendments.
The roles and responsibilities of obtaining a plastic waste processor in India are as discussed below:
- Collect and segregate plastic waste based on type, quality, and recyclability.
- Recycle plastic waste into reusable raw materials or new products.
- Treat and dispose of non-recyclable plastic waste through methods such as processing and controlled landfilling.
- Maintain records of waste processed and submit annual compliance reports to CPCB/SPCB.
The process of plastic waste processor authorization in India is discussed below:
- Step 1: Apply for Business Registration
- Step 2: Set up Infrastructure
- Step 3: Consent from SPCB/ CPCB
- Step 4: File Application on CPCB’s EPR Portal
- Step 5: Application Fee Payment
- Step 6: Document Review and Inspection
- Step 7: Grant of PWP Authorization
