Adopted in 2019, the Single Use Plastic Directive (2019/904) introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for single use plastics, including the requirement for producers to cover the costs of collection, transport and treatment of litter, traditionally borne by municipalities. However, the key challenge lies in defining these costs and setting up an effective governance scheme for operating the system.
This EPR debate provided the opportunity to present the Commission guidelines on litter costs and the status of implementation of Article 8 of the SUPD in Member States based on ACR+ analysis. The debate will also featured perspectives from Producer Responsibility Organisations and municipalities, delving into governance aspects and implementation challenges of EPR for SUP and litter cost coverage on the ground. The event also provided insights into the role Deposit Refund Systems can play in reducing beverage container litter, drawing from concrete cases in the EU.
Agenda
Litter session (9:30 – 10:30)
[9.30 – 09:45] Presentation of the EC Commission guidelines for producer responsibility on litter costs – Julia Roettgerding, DG ENV
[09:45 – 10:05] SUPD Article 8 Implementation in the Member States: presentation of ACR+ report key results – Anita Lombardo, ACR+
[10:05 – 10:15] DRS and beverage container litter: lessons from Ireland – Ursula Ahern, City of Dublin
[10:15 – 10:30] Cost coverage of littered cigarette butts and tobacco products: governance and implementation challenges in Portugal – Marcia Damas, UNICO
Access the presentations.
Planning meeting (10:30 – 11:30) (for EPR club members only)
- Life4EPR: project overview and ExPERT group – Naoko Tojokobo, VUB
- EPR club priorities and activities in 2026
Please note that this event was open exclusively to ACR+ members and EPR Club members. If you do not have access and would like to register, please contact [email protected].