Global plastic waste recycling and extended producer responsibility laws
Khairun N. Tumu, Keith Vorst, Greg W. Curtzwiler
Abstract
In the USA, 8.66% of municipal solid waste (MSW) plastic was recycled and 75.9% landfilled (2018). Some critical challenges in widespread adoption of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic include high collection costs, sortation complexity, inconsistent feedstock properties, and unknown contamination leading to safety considerations. The objective of this review is to discuss global Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies/regulations and their ability to facilitate coordination of domestic/international policies and business to overcome critical recycling complications. Global EPR and recycling laws were examined to compare and contrast initiatives to increase recycling and avoid plastic waste generation. EPR laws increase producers' liability towards product generation, marketing, and disposal by applying fees and taxes on products depending on product recyclability and volume generation. Countries with established plastic EPR regulations and landfill bans often possess higher recycling rates. The results of this research can facilitate development of local regulatory mandates to increase recycling rates.