A new study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has highlighted a major gap between the actual cost of managing plastic packaging waste in India and the financial support provided through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system.
India generates around 158,619 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day, with plastic accounting for an estimated 10-12 per cent, or nearly 19,000 tonnes daily. A large portion comes from plastic packaging particularly flexible and multi layered materials that are difficult to collect, segregate and recycle.
The study found that municipalities, waste collectors and informal workers often continue to bear much of the financial and operational burden, despite EPR placing responsibility on producers importers and brand owners.
The mismatch is especially severe in areas with high transportation and infrastructure costs. In Dharamshala for example, managing Category III plastics can cost up to Rs 9.15 per kg, while EPR credit rates are around Rs 1-1.25 per kg.
CSE has recommended a Weighted Adjustment Factor to reflect regional waste-management costs and a localised EPR system that directs funds towards areas where plastic waste is generated.
The study also calls for stronger incentives for producers to use recyclable packaging and ensure fair financial support for informal waste workers.