Egypt is preparing to introduce an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for priority packaging materials as part of efforts to reduce waste sent to landfills, promote recycling and support the transition towards a circular economy.
Local Development and Environment Minister Manal Awad reviewed preparations for implementing the scheme during a meeting with Yasser Abdallah, CEO of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority.
According to the ministry, the electronic platform for the EPR system is ready to be launched through Egypt’s national Waste Information Management System (WIMS).
The platform will allow producers and importers to register and disclose the quantities of packaging materials they place on the Egyptian market. Awad called for simplifying registration procedures to facilitate participation by producers and importers.
The meeting identified the priority packaging materials to be covered during the first phase of implementation following consultations with private-sector representatives and other stakeholders.
Studies examining the value chains of the targeted materials found that the scheme is expected to reduce the proportion of waste sent to landfills, strengthen the circular economy and create new jobs in the recycling sector.
Officials also discussed moving from the legislative framework to detailed implementation mechanisms following the issuance of a prime ministerial decision defining the products covered by the system, producers’ obligations, applicable fees and the responsibilities of relevant authorities.
The meeting also reviewed the national Waste Information Management System, which provides electronic licensing, approvals and permits for activities involving waste and hazardous materials.
The system covers licences and approvals for the collection, transportation, treatment and safe final disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, as well as permits for waste exports and the import of non-hazardous waste used as industrial inputs.
Awad said implementing EPR would support sustainable waste management and Egypt’s transition towards a circular economy while helping the country meet its international commitments on the environmentally sound management of materials and waste.
