From Waste to Energy: Understanding the Role of Government Policies

Extended Producer Responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is highly important, mainly for the manufacturers; they have to keep a close eye on the entire product lifecycle, including disposal. Any waste particles that go into the public will negatively impact society and lead to several other complications. EPR requires manufacturers to take comprehensive responsibility for designing products in a way that can be reused by the public. EPR policies have already come into practice in many nations, such as Japan, Canada, and various European countries, and this policy has helped to increase recycling rates and lower waste.

For instance, Germany has a successful EPR system that works well for several products, which comprise packing goods, electronic and electrical products, and end-of-life vehicles. Besides, in the case of Japan, their laws pertaining to EPR on particular products, such as automobiles and home appliances, have elevated producers to design more reused and sustainable products.

Recycling Programs

Governments across the globe have taken the initiative to implement waste-to-energy (WTE) programs with the aim of reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. The WTE program plays a critical role in the conversion of waste into energy through the gasification process. However, there may be concerns about the impact these programs have on the environment. The good part is that they can be an important tool in bringing waste under control and generating energy. Besides, recycling programs are also crucial in regulating waste, and knowing this is a serious issue that affects the economy, the government has taken the necessary steps to ensure the products are recycled properly.

For instance, South Korea had a very low recycling rate of just 2%, but after the implementation of several recycling programs, the rates have improved to a notable figure of 95%. Food waste has drastically decreased with the arrival of a food waste fee, as houseowners pay monthly for every bag of biodegradable food scraps.