Extended Producer Responsibility law to recognise and integrate informal waste collectors — EPA

The draft Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law proposed by Ghana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims to integrate the country's informal waste collectors into the formal waste management system. During a recent discussion on August 11, Assistant Director of Sustainability and Circular Economy at the EPA, Mr Larry Kotoe, emphasized that the legislation is designed to build upon the existing contributions of these informal waste operators, particularly their crucial role in waste collection.

Kotoe explained that the law would recognize the informal operators' functions while providing a clear framework for their roles within the EPR system, specifically at the district assembly level where local authorities and government structures play a significant part in waste management. A key aspect of the proposed framework is traceability, ensuring that collected waste can be tracked from its source to its final destination.

If informal collectors cannot provide this traceability, the law suggests adjusting their roles to ensure proper tracking. The draft EPR framework also encourages informal waste operators to form cooperatives and associations, which would facilitate identification and engagement by authorities and other stakeholders. By organizing themselves, these operators can be incentivized effectively and contribute to a more structured relationship with local authorities and other parties involved in waste management.

This approach aims to enhance coordination, accountability, and overall efficiency within Ghana's waste management sector.