UPSC Prelims 2019 Q78: Environment & Ecology – Pollution & Waste Management
- (a) The Bio - medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
- (b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
- (c) The e - Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
- (d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Answer: (c) The e - Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
Explanation
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - Origin in Indian Rules
| Rule | EPR introduced? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-medical Waste Rules 1998 | NO | focus on hospital waste segregation/disposal, not EPR |
| Recycled Plastic Rules 1999 | NO | basic plastic recycling framework |
| e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 | YES - EPR introduced as key feature | Producer, importer, brand owner of electrical/electronic equipment must set up collection systems and channelise e-waste for environmentally sound recycling. |
| Food Safety Regulations 2011 | NO | food safety focus |
EPR was first formally introduced in Indian environmental law through the e-Waste Rules 2011. Subsequent rules (Plastic Waste 2016, Battery Waste 2022) also adopt EPR.
Answer: (c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bio-medical Waste Rules focus on medical waste handling - EPR was not the framework.
- (b) Incorrect. Recycled Plastic Rules 1999 predate the EPR concept in Indian law.
- (c) CORRECT. E-Waste Rules 2011 formally introduced EPR - producers of electronics must set up collection systems and finance recycling.
- (d) Incorrect. Food Safety Regulations focus on consumer safety, unrelated to EPR.
Key point
EPR = Producer responsible for end-of-life management of product/packaging. First introduced in India via e-Waste Rules 2011. Extended to Plastic Waste (2016 -> 2021 amendment), Battery Waste (2022).
Remember
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) was first introduced as an important feature in Indian environmental law through the e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011. It requires producers, importers and brand owners of electrical/electronic equipment to set up collection systems and channelise e-waste for environmentally sound recycling.
Common mistakes
- Confusing EPR with Polluter Pays Principle - both related but EPR is product-specific.
- Assuming plastic waste rules first had EPR - PWM Rules 2016 had it, but e-Waste Rules 2011 came first.
- Not knowing EPR triggers producer-take-back systems, deposit-return schemes, and eco-fees.
Exam tip
EPR in Indian rules timeline: e-Waste Rules 2011 (first EPR). Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 (EPR added). Construction & Demolition Waste 2016. Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 (strong EPR). Tyre Waste 2022. EPR portal launched by CPCB for compliance tracking.
Sources
- MoEFCC - e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
- Central Pollution Control Board — Guidelines for Extended Producer Responsibility under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016