Govt issues EPR guidelines to tackle plastic pollution

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued guidelines requiring plastic producers, importers and brand owners to take responsibility for managing their products after use to curb plastic pollution and ensure sustainable waste management.
The "Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic Waste Management, 2026" were framed under Section 13 of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, and gazetted on 13 August 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said in a press release issued on Thursday.
The guidelines cover all recyclable and non-recyclable plastic products made or used in Bangladesh, along with their manufacturers, importers and brand owners. Export-oriented industries producing solely against export orders are exempt.
Plastic products are divided into five categories: rigid plastics, flexible plastics, Styrofoam or expanded polystyrene (EPS), non-prohibited single-use plastics, and other items, including sanitary napkins, diapers and cigarette filters. The Department of Environment (DoE) will list “obligated entities” in phases- large industries within two years, medium-sized firms by the fourth year and small industries by the fifth.
Listed entities must register within six months, with registration valid for three years. They may fulfil their obligations individually or through a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). Entities must initially achieve 15% waste collection and 7.5% recycling, rising to 30% and 15%, respectively, in subsequent years. Surplus collected waste may be sold as “plastic credits”.
Annual progress reports are mandatory, while failure to comply may result in non-renewal of registration, suspension or legal action.