Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

EPR is a powerful mechanism for strengthening waste and recycling systems, helping governments reduce pollution, support livelihoods, and shift the burden of waste management upstream to producers.

When well-designed and well-implemented, EPR can foster collaboration between manufacturers and recyclers, and unlock co-benefits across climate, health, job creation and the circular economy.

To maximise its impact we recommend:

• Closing existing loopholes through regular policy reviews.
• Continuously improving regulations to ensure they remain effective and relevant.

Opportunities for policymakers

EPR systems offer a practical way to strengthen national recycling efforts, while also supporting social and economic development goals. Policymakers can support this by:

• Creating enabling legislation that balances ambition with flexibility for different product categories.
• Promoting multi-stakeholder participation, especially in early planning and monitoring.
• Aligning EPR with wider national strategies, such as climate, green jobs, or health policy.
• Supporting national coordination, to streamline registration, reduce duplication, and build coherence across PROs.