On January 1, 2015, the Russian Federation introduced EPR and packaging waste recycling obligation for the fillers and packers of the goods. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the level of implementation was in 2018 and 2019 very low and EPR was not functioning. MNR developed a concept to change the EPR system – to introduce an eco-tax and authorize a state-owned company REO to manage the packaging waste recycling. The leading FMCGs in Russia (members of packaging association RusPEC) supported industry led EPR solution and decided to develop own EPR concept (“RusPEC EPR Concept)”, where the producers will lead the packaging waste recycling solution, like in most of the EU countries.
CEEREC consultant analyzed in Spring-Summer 2020 the situation in Russia and developed “RusPEC EPR concept” which defines the key strategic changes required to create a sustainable, effective and efficient EPR system. The main proposal was to introduce the Producers Responsibility Organization (PRO) to the law, which will take over the producers’ responsibility to recycle the packaging waste and will organize and/or finance separate waste collection in the regions. The PRO will be accredited, the law will define its responsibilities. Other supporting proposal were made as well, including in the law enforcement. The concept is currently discussed with the key stakeholders in Russia.
The project was implemented in 2020.