Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Definition

Extended Producer Responsibility is a policy approach that holds manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. It requires producers to take responsibility for proper disposal or recycling of their products after they are no longer useful.

Related terms

Product Stewardship: A concept similar to EPR that emphasizes shared responsibility among all stakeholders involved in producing, using, and disposing of products.

Circular Economy: An economic system that aims to minimize waste by keeping resources in use for as long as possible through strategies like recycling and reusing.

Take-back Programs: Initiatives where manufacturers provide options for consumers to return used products so they can be properly recycled or disposed of.