Egypt is moving towards implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for selected packaging materials as part of its efforts to divert waste from landfills, improve recycling and advance its circular economy goals.

According to news reports, Local Development and Environment Minister Manal Awad reviewed the preparations for the scheme during a meeting with Yasser Abdallah, CEO of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority. 

The Ministry said the electronic platform for the EPR system is ready for launch through Egypt’s national Waste Information Management System (WIMS). The platform will enable producers and importers to register and report the quantities of packaging materials they place on the Egyptian market.

Awad called for registration procedures to be kept simple to encourage producers and importers to participate in the system.

The first phase of the EPR programme will focus on a set of priority packaging materials identified following consultations with private-sector representatives and other stakeholders. Studies of the value chains for these materials indicate that the scheme could help reduce the volume of waste going to landfills, strengthen recycling value chains and generate employment opportunities in the recycling sector.

Officials also discussed the steps required to move from the existing legislative framework to practical implementation. These include developing detailed mechanisms following the issuance of a prime ministerial decision setting out the products covered by the EPR system, producer obligations, applicable fees and the roles of the relevant authorities.

The meeting also reviewed the broader capabilities of WIMS, which provides electronic licensing, approvals and permits for waste and hazardous-material activities. The system covers licences for the collection, transportation, treatment and safe disposal of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, as well as permits for waste exports and the import of non-hazardous waste intended for use as industrial inputs.

Awad said the implementation of EPR would contribute to more sustainable waste management and support Egypt’s transition towards a circular economy. The system is also expected to help the country meet its international commitments related to the environmentally sound management of materials and waste.