Compliance Standards for Waste Recovery and Traceability

Brazil: New EPR Decree for Plastic Packaging Brazil is not new to Extended Producer Responsibility for a long list of end of life products. The national laws – like this new decree – are accompanied by state and even municipal EPR laws for all manner of goods. Here, Brazil carves out plastic packaging from the existing scheme for “general packaging” (embalagens em geral). Decree No. 12,688/2025 creates a national reverse-logistics system for plastic #packaging and comparable plastic products. It exempts plastic packaging already covered by a specific decree (e.g., plastic pesticide containers, household medications, household electric and electronic products, lubricant oils) and exempts mixed packaging (i.e., plastic packaging that includes paper or cardboard). The new scheme assigns manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers (individually or via authorized management entities) clear duties for collection, transport, recycling/reuse, reporting via SINIR, and audited traceability—prioritizing cooperatives of waste pickers (Brazil’s legion of catadores).  It sets quantitative targets for both waste recovery and recycled content (mandatory from Jan 2026 for large companies; Jul 2026 for SMEs) and minimum numbers of drop-off points, with monitoring, sanctions, and confidentiality rules. The decree sets important new phased-in recycling goals that by 2040 call for Brazil to recycle 50% and reuse 40% of plastic packaging. Let’s take a deeper look at the minimum recycled plastic content: What it is: The decree defines an “index of recycled content” as the share of recycled raw material in a plastic product/packaging over its total mass each year. PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin is explicitly included. Who must comply: Manufacturers and importers of plastic packaging and of products sold in plastic packaging. Importers outside a collective scheme must prove compliance before import clearance. Targets: National minimum percentages are set in Annex II; they are mandatory alongside recovery targets (you must meet both to be “in compliance”). Start dates: Obligatory from Jan 2026 for large enterprises and July 2026 for SMEs. Verification & reporting: Compliance should be demonstrated via a traceability platform for material content, to be detailed by the Environment Ministry (within 90 days of the decree). Companies must keep sales/mass data updated in SINIR (individual model) or black box (collective) and include recycled-content results in annual reports.   Scope exceptions: Recycled-content targets don’t apply to packaging with specific regulations, including food packaging. Enforcement: Noncompliance can trigger administrative and environmental sanctions under applicable laws. #Brazil's #EPR plans are showing no slowing down. #waste #plastics #melonlatam

India Sets Bold Course for Construction and Demolition Waste Management – Effective April 2026 India is set to enforce one of its most comprehensive environmental regulations – The Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, effective April 1, 2026. Notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, these rules represent a landmark effort to tackle the mounting challenge of construction-related waste across the nation. Who is Impacted: The regulations apply to all construction, demolition, renovation, remodeling, and repair activities, with exceptions for: - Projects under the Atomic Energy Act 1962 - Defence and strategic operations - Waste resulting from natural disasters or war Other waste categories are governed by separate regulations Key Features of the New Rules: (a) Extended Producer Responsibility Producers of construction waste will now be directly accountable. A centralized online portal will manage compliance, certifications, and monitoring. Registrations with the Central Pollution Control Board are mandatory, with a strict 15-day processing window. (b) Strict Compliance Measures Unregistered operations are prohibited. False declarations can result in registration suspension for up to five years and financial penalties. (c) Local Authority Empowerment Municipal bodies must prepare targeted waste management plans and enforce EPR goals. Reusable materials are excluded from EPR target calculations, encouraging circular practices. (d) Recycling Mandate for Large Projects Construction projects exceeding 20000 square meters must incorporate recycled materials. All waste generators are required to purchase EPR certificates from registered recyclers, establishing a functioning circular economy. (e) Accountability and Transparency A robust digital tracking system will log waste movement, storage, and processing. Reporting of accidents within 24 hours is compulsory during all stages of handling, including collection, transport, storage, or processing. (f) Funding and Oversight A 20 to 80 fund-sharing model between Central and State Boards will support implementation. Both boards will jointly oversee the use of recycled waste in infrastructure projects such as road construction. (g) Efficient Storage Protocols Local authorities must establish waste collection and intermediate storage points. Storage duration is limited to 120 days, extendable up to 180 days in specific cases. Timely processing and accurate reporting through the portal are essential. Whether you are involved in real estate development, infrastructure construction, urban planning, waste management, policy advisory, these Rules mark significant shift in the regulatory landscape—making it essential for industry stakeholders to stay informed, assess potential impacts, and proactively align their practices with the upcoming compliance framework. ANB Legal #Sustainability #ESG #India

Recently المركز الوطني لإدارة النفايات ( موان ) | National Center for Waste Management Issued The Standards & Technical Guidelines for Waste Management Plans. These guidelines introduce a structured and integrated framework for waste planning, built on the principles of the Circular Economy and the Waste Management Hierarchy, while ensuring consistency with the National Waste Management Strategy (NSWM). Below are the key principles and requirements introduced under the new technical guidance: The core principles of waste management are based on sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental protection through the application of the circular economy concept. Waste should be managed in a way that minimizes environmental impact, conserves natural resources, and promotes recovery and reuse wherever practicable. The waste management hierarchy shall be applied as the foundation for all waste-related decisions, prioritizing waste prevention and reduction at source, followed by reuse, recycling, and recovery. Disposal shall only be considered as a last solution when no viable higher-level option is achievable. Waste should be managed as close as possible to its point of generation to minimize transportation impacts and environmental risk. Waste generators remain legally and ethically responsible for their waste throughout its lifecycle, from generation through to final disposal, including storage, transportation, and treatment. Waste Management Plans must align with national targets under NSWM and demonstrate contribution to the following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): - Reduction of waste generation (%) - Waste segregation at source (%) - Recycling and recovery rates (%) - Reduction in landfilling rates (%) Each Waste Management Plan is required to include measurable targets, traceable waste streams, and performance monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.