Producer Responsibility Organization referred to as 'PRO' deals with end plastic goods management and recyclability of the goods. Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) policies were recently introduced by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). The increasing consumption of a range of complex durable goods over the years has caused serious environmental problems. Proper handling/ management of the waste produced has been a matter of serious alarm for policymakers. The authorities recently introduced a policy for producers of these goods to be responsible for their end-of-life management. Such producers may also choose to delegate this responsibility to a third party who is authorized by the CPCB department. pro authorization, pro certification, pro-registration, pro license, pro consultants

Most of these guidelines are based on the principle of EPR (Extended producer responsibility), which makes the producers responsible for the environmental effects throughout the life-cycle of products. 

Legislation of Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)

In India, the concept of PRO (Producer Responsibility Organization) is defined in two sectors,

• Plastic waste management
• E-Waste Management

The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, and Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, make producers of such products shall be responsible for the collection of plastic electronic products waste. Such producers need to establish a system to collect back the waste generated due to their products.

Role of Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)

Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) assist the producers upon engagement in one or more of the following tasks:

• Achieve the target of collection.
• Establishment of waste collection methods such as door to door collection.
• Buyback/take back implementation
• Arrangements of the logistics 
• Create the traceability process of the e-waste collected and channelized & dismantle of waste & end of life plastic waste.
• Assisting producers in the filing of quarterly/annual returns as per the rules.
• Guide on extended producer's responsibility plan as legally required.

Capability and Capacity of Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)

A Producer/Agency should mention its capacity for waste handling, this includes capacity for storage, collection, and recyclers with whom it has an arrangement for recycling of such waste. A producer should also be skilled in channelizing plastic and electronic waste for meeting the collection targets of its Producers/Brand Owners.

Responsibilities of a Recycler

• Every person recycling or processing waste or proposing to recycle or process plastic waste shall make an application to the State Pollution Control Board or the Pollution Control Committee, for grant of registration
• It is the responsibility of the recycler to ensure environment friendly management of the waste
• The recycling facility should have adequate pollution control equipment to prevent environment pollution.
• Every person engaged in recycling or processing of plastic waste shall prepare and submit an annual report to the local body concerned under intimation to the concerned State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee by the 30th April, of every year
• Verification of application: In each case, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has the authority to inspect, verify and scrutinize the application and decide accordingly. The target time for response by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shall be 30 days.
• The registration under E-waste management Rules shall be effective for the duration of three years. A request for renewal of registration shall be made 60 days prior to the expiry. 

Documents Required for Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) Registration 

• Proprietor/Authorized Signatory KYC
• GST Certificate
• Rent/Lease/proof of ownership of the site
• IEC Code
• Excel Sheet detail of items 
• Company Pan Card
• Process Flow Chart

Producer Responsibility Organization PRO Registration Process 

Application Submission: An application form shall be submitted to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for registration of PRO according to the guidelines for both plastic as well as electronic waste management. The guidelines for e-waste management do not specify any minimum requirements for registration of PRO, while guidelines for plastic waste management specify the following requirements. Connect with team Corpseed to know more about requirements.