EPA Report Urges Federal EPR Legislation

4. Role of State and Local Governments:

• Development of state-specific action plans.
• Capacity building and training for local governing bodies to manage plastic waste effectively.

5. Monitoring and Compliance:

• Establishment of monitoring mechanisms for compliance with EPR rules.
• Imposition of penalties for non-compliance to ensure accountability.

6. Circular Economy Approach:

• Promote the recycling and reuse of plastics to reduce reliance on virgin plastic production.
• Strengthen markets for recycled products.

7. Involvement of Informal Waste Sector:

• Integration of informal waste pickers and recyclers into formal waste management systems.
• Provision of training, equipment, and financial support to enhance their role in plastic waste management.

8. Public Awareness and Education:

• Conduct awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the environmental impacts of plastic pollution.
• Foster behavioral change towards waste reduction and recycling.

9. Research and Development:

• Investment in research to develop biodegradable and sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
• Support for innovations in plastic waste treatment.

10. Collaboration with Stakeholders:

• Partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society for effective implementation.
• Development of public-private partnerships to enhance infrastructure for plastic waste management.

These measures aim to establish a comprehensive framework for preventing plastic pollution, enhancing resource efficiency, and transitioning toward sustainable practices. Read the full National Strategy for Preventing Plastic Pollution report.