Garth Hickle presented on the present state and challenges of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes in OECD countries and emerging economies. Some key factors for successful implementation of EPR schemes include ensuring a level playing field for all producers and products in a category, clarifying the role of municipalities, and instituting adequate reporting for transparency. Design considerations include financing models that assign costs by brand or category and setting fees based on factors like recyclability. Finally, implementation requires supporting downstream processing through measures like regulatory definitions, material tracking, third-party auditing, and integrating the informal sector.

1. Present State and Challenges of EPR
Schemes in OECD Countries and Emerging
Economies
OECD Global Forum on Environment:
Promoting Sustainable Materials Management
Through Extended Producer Responsibility
June 19, 2014
Tokyo, Japan
Garth Hickle
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

2. Factors for Successful Implementation
of EPR
Ensure a “level playing field” that encompasses broad
range of products and producers within category
Address question of competition
Clarify role of municipalities
Institute adequate reporting from program participants to
promote transparency
Balance local circumstances with importance of inter-
jurisdictional policy consistency
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3. Design for Environment
Financing models that assign costs by brand
Individual producer responsibility
Collective responsibility
Allocate responsibility by category or brand
Fee setting by recyclability (differentiated fees)
“Disruptor” fees
Fees based on product certifications
Material restrictions
Disclosure of RoHS compliance
Procurement requirements
EPEAT and other standards and certifications
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4. Implementation Factors to Support
Downstream Processing
Regulatory definitions for end of life options
Reporting and material tracking
Third-party auditing and certification
R2, WEELABEX,
Recognition and integration of informal sector
Regulatory mechanisms (e.g. facility permits)
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5. For more information:
Garth Hickle
Product Stewardship Team Leader
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
St. Paul, USA
+1 651-757-2434
garth.hickle@state.mn.us
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