Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a legislative tool and policy approach that makes producers financially responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including design, takeback, recycling, and final disposal. EPR plays a significant role in promoting reliable and sustainable product designs, improving recycling efforts, and reducing waste.
While EPR legislation was first implemented in the European Union (EU), it has since expanded worldwide, including North America. EPR legislation in the United States and Canadian provinces are variable, so understanding the nuances of EPR legislation and your business is critical to determining applicability. If your company places products or packaging on the market in either country, you are likely considered a producer and must meet EPR compliance obligations.
While any type of product can fall within the scope of EPR legislation, the three most common product categories are packaging, e-waste, and batteries, as legislators have prioritized these waste streams due to their volume and toxicity. This e-book will focus on legislation and recent developments surrounding those three waste streams in both the United States and Canada.