The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued show cause notices to a number of businesses for non-compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. These rules aim to regulate plastic waste generation and promote environmentally responsible practices.
The notices highlight that the registered businesses are obligated to file annual reports detailing their efforts towards fulfilling their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets.
It may be recalled that CPCB had issued a public notice dated May 13, 2024, extending the deadline for filing annual reports on plastic waste management. Although, Producers, Importers & Brand Owners (PIBOs) and Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) are required to submit annual reports by March 31st the notice provided an extension until May 31, 2024.
However, despite this extension, CPCB has observed that only 9129 PIBOs have submitted annual returns. The notice further lists a total of 3590 entities who have failed to furnish their annual returns for 2022-2023 along with the applicable environmental compensation for each defaulting entity.
The CPCB emphasizes that non-compliance carries significant consequences:
- Environmental Compensation Charges: Businesses failing to file annual returns or meet EPR targets will be subject to environmental compensation charges.
- Increased Target Requirements: Late filing of annual reports will result in a 25% increase in the following year’s EPR target as a penalty.
- Legal Action: Continued non-compliance may lead to legal action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The CPCB has offered a window of opportunity for these businesses to rectify their violations. They are required to:
- File Annual Reports Immediately: Submit outstanding annual reports along with associated processing charges on the CPCB’s EPR portal.
- Comply by September 1st, 2024: Businesses have until September 1, 2024, to address outstanding issues and avoid potential fines and penalties.
