India is one of the biggest consumers of automobiles. The automobile industry also supported the boom of the tyre industry in India. However, with the rising demand came the challenge of tyre waste management. Tyres are basically non-biodegradable in nature and can cause serious environmental damage, if not managed properly. That’s why EPR compliance for tyre waste management is crucial.
What is EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a framework that places the responsibility for the entire life cycle of the products on the producers. This also includes the responsibility of waste management and disposal. EPR was launched by the government in order to encourage sustainable practices and waste management while also reducing the burden on the local authorities.
EPR Registration for Tyre Waste
EPR is also applicable to tyre waste management. Tyre importers and manufacturers are required to obtain authorisation from the Central Pollution Control Board. This involves submitting a detailed plan laying down the strategies for collecting, segregating, recycling, transporting and disposing of the end of life cycle tyres. Further, the manufacturers should tie up with the authorised recyclers in order to ensure proper recycling and disposal of the tyres.
Why EPR for Tyre Waste?
Following the EPR framework for tyre waste helps achieve the following two broad objectives:
- Business Benefits: EPR for tyre waste showcases businesses as being responsible and environmentally friendly. This helps create a positive brand image by showcasing a commitment to environmental sustainability. Further, it also channelises significant cost savings in the long run due to proper disposal of waste and the non-levy of fines and penalties. It also aligns with the organisation’s CSR goals. Sustainable waste management practices attract socially conscious customers and improve relations with the stakeholders.
- Environmental Benefits: EPR for tyre waste has a huge positive impact on environmental waste as it significantly reduces the number of tyres that end up in landfills. Further, it also encourages reuse and recycling of the tyres and tyre materials. This helps save natural resources due to recycling and reuse.
Rules for EPR Tyre Waste Registration
Importers, producers and brand owners that are engaged in the sale and production of new tyres or those that deal with old tyres are required to abide by the EPR standards of the waste tyres. This includes establishing a system for accumulating, recycling, transporting as well as disposing of the waste tyres. Here’s the process for EPR registration of waste tyres:
- Access the EPR portal and log in using the credentials to start the application process. In case you don’t have the credentials, register yourself on the portal.
- Fill in the EPR registration application form and provide all the necessary information including applicant details, a description of the activity and a proposed EPR plan.
- Attach all the required documents along with the application, including the ownership proof, EPR plan and any other details.
- Submit the application. The CPCB will review the application and issue the registration number if the application is found to be valid and complete.
- Ensure compliance with the EPR regulations and ensure submission of the regular reports on the waste tyre management.
- Once the application is approved, the authorisation shall be granted.
The EPR certificate is valid for a period of 5 years following which it shall be renewed. The application for renewal of EPR certificate should be submitted at least 60 days before the due deadline.
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EPR Obligations for Tyre Waste
Here are the EPR obligations relating to tyre waste for different stakeholders:
For Producers: EPR obligations for producers shall be applicable in a phased wise manner:
|
Sr. No. |
Obligations for the Year |
Recycling Target for Waste Tyre (Weight in Kgs or Tons) |
|
1 |
2022-23 |
35% of the total tyres imported or manufactured in the year 2020-21 |
|
2 |
2023-24 |
70% of the total tyres imported or manufactured in the year 2021-22 |
|
3 |
2024-25 |
100% of the total tyres imported or manufactured in the year 2022-23 |
|
4 |
After 2024-25 |
100% of the total tyres imported or manufactured in the year (Y-2) where ‘Y’ is the current year |
|
5 |
Units Created After 1st April 2022 |
For the units built after April 2022, EPR obligations shall start after 2 years and shall be equal to 100% of the tyres imported or produced in the year (Y-2) where ‘Y’ is the current year. |
- For Importers: The importers of the waste tyres shall fulfil the EPR obligations equal to 100% of the tyres imported in the year (Y-1)
- For Retreaders: The EPR obligations for the Retreaders has been postponed.
Responsibilities Under EPR Waste Tyre Management
Here are the responsibilities under EPR waste tyre management placed on different stakeholders:
- Producers: The producers shall only purchase the EPR waste tyre certificates from the registered recyclers for completing their EPR obligations. Further, they are required to file their annual returns as well as quarterly returns on or before the end of the month following the end of such quarter.
- Recyclers: The recyclers shall send the monthly data on the amount of used and generated waste tyres, EPR certificates sold and other important data. Further, they are also required to file their annual and quarterly return on or before the end of the month following such quarter.
- Retreaders: The government has allowed the retreading of the scrap tyres, however, they are required to get registered on the CPCB portal. Their EPR obligations were postponed at the initial stage.
What Shall the Waste Tyre Management Plan Include?
One of the most important aspects of the EPR application is the waste tyre management plan. This specifies the strategy as to how the waste tyre will be managed by the applicant. Following are some of the key elements in this plan:
- Collection and Storage: This involves different methods for collection and storage of waste tyres from retailers, consumers and others.
- Transportation: This showcases how the transportation of the waste tyres collected will be transported to the recycling facilities and the processing centres.
- Recycling: The agenda behind recycling is to extract all the crucial and valuable materials from the waste tyre to minimise the environmental impact.
- Disposal or Reuse: This helps address the ways to dispose of the waste tyres properly and in an environmentally friendly manner. Further, it also specifies the ways to reuse specific components of the waste tyres.
- Reporting and Auditing: The EPR registered persons are required to maintain detailed records of the waste tyre management activities and submit reports periodically to the appropriate authorities. Further, periodic audits should be conducted in order to ensure adherence to the waste tyre management plan.
Documents Required for EPR Registration for Tyre Waste
Following are the documents for EPR Registration for waste tyre you need to provide while filing the EPR application online:
- Certificate of incorporation or registration of the applicant
- Copy of memorandum of association and articles of association of the company
- Copy of the PAN card of the applicant
- GST registration certificate of the applicant
- Address proof of the registered office of the company
- Copy of registration or authorization from the State Pollution Control Board, if any
- Letter of authorization from the company in favor of the authorized representative for EPR registration
- Bank guarantee for the fulfilment of the EPR obligations
- Details of the importer, producer and brand owners of the tyres
In a Nutshell
EPR for waste tyre management is a crucial step towards sustainable waste management practices for those involved in the tyre business. It is important to obtain EPR registration online and ensure timely and accurate compliance with the EPR regulations to avoid any penal consequences. Having a proper waste tyre management plan in place is crucial in order to proceed with the EPR obligations. In case you need any assistance in relation to EPR tyre waste management services, feel free to contact the Exim Advisory.