Product Stewardship: Is it meeting its promise?

Product Stewardship:Is it meeting its promise? Product Stewardship Forum June 1 – 4, 2009 Seattle, Washington

Washington State Solid Waste Management Plan “Beyond Waste” Vision: • We can transition to a society where waste is viewed as inefficient, and where most wastes and toxic substances have been eliminated. This will contribute to economic, social and environmental vitality.

Shift

OECD Polluter Pays Principle • The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recognized the PPP in 1972, defined as a principle whereby: • "the polluter should bear the expenses of carrying out the [ pollution prevention and control] measures decided by public authorities to ensure that the environment is in an acceptable state. In other words, the cost of these measures should be reflected in the cost of goods and services which cause pollution in production and/or consumption. Such measures should not be accompanied by subsidies that would create significant distortions in international trade and investment". Source: OECD Development Centre – Working Paper No. 92

Extended Producer Responsibility • OECD defines EPR as a policy in which a producer's responsibility for a product is extended to the post-consumer stage with a focus on: • Shifting responsibility upstream toward the producer and away from municipalities; and • Providing incentives to producers to incorporate environmental considerations in the design of their products. Source: "Extended Producer Responsibility; A Guidance Manual for Governments", 2001 OECD

Shifting Responsibility • Manufacturer Based - Cost Internalization • Full Cost Internalization • Partial Cost Internalization • Consumer Based Funding Alternatives • Consumer Fees • Advanced Recovery Fees • Deposits • End of Life Fees • Tariff Rates

Design for the Environment • Energy and materials consumption; • Air and water pollution; • Carbon footprint; • Toxics used in the production of products; • Product toxicity; • Consumer choices – choose wisely, use fully, dispose of safely • Worker safety and health; • Production waste management; • Consumer use and safety; • Product durability, reusability and recyclability; and • Post consumer product take-back.

Is Product Stewardship: Meeting Its Promise? • What are the Results?

Is Product Stewardship Meeting Its Promise? • Look at Electronics Recycling Laws • Great Recycling Laws • But are they “product stewardship”? • Have they shifted responsibility? • Do they include design for the environment?

Electronic Recycling Laws

Electronics Recycling • NEPSI – 2001 to 2003 • Washington study bill 2004 • Washington Electronic Product Recycling Act 2006 • Washington E-Cycle Program Implementation 1-1-2009 It Takes Time!!!

Can Government Keep Up? • Thousands of new materials invented • Thousands of new products introduced

Is There a Better Way? • Framework • Planning Model • Stewardship Organization Model (aka TPO) • Categorical Model ( EU WEEE and End of Life Auto) • Certified Certification Programs

Is Product Stewardship Meeting Its Promise? • If it Includes: • Cost Internalization • Design for the Environment • If it is Broad in Scope • At Least Categorical • If it Keeps Pace • New Products • New Materials

Jay Shepard Washington Department of Ecology 360 407-7040 jshe461@ecy.wa.gov

Product Stewardship: Is it meeting its promise?