Packaging Wastes: Are governments expecting too much of the manufacturers?Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) represents a major change in the way packaging wastes are handled. The concept began in Europe and is now spreading to North America. EPR holds the manufacturers of the products liable for it's waste and it has come at the right time: retailers and consumers are demanding more sustainable packaging, while municipalities are experiencing severe budget limitations. Ontario for example, has started a "Blue Box" recycling program and the packaging producers are picking up half the bill. Manitoba wants 80%. Are governments expecting too much of the manufacturers? The U.S. Conference of Mayors just passed a resolution calling for the state/federal legislation that shifts the costs of managing product and packaging waste from taxpayers/local governments to brands and consumers. Posted by Andrea Scafidi Independent Distributor, Montreal Quebec Canada.
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