Mini-Review of Extended Producer Responsibility for Thermochemical-Based Plastic Waste-to-Energy Advances

Diversification of plastic waste (PW) circularity strategies challenges the relevance of the recycling-dominant extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme as a policy pillar in PW management for a circular economy transition. Plastic waste-to-energy (PWtE) technologies, commonly thermochemical-based processes that convert PW into energy in the form of heat or electricity, are gaining traction as another preferred option for PW handling due to the technologies’ capability to offer low-carbon PW circularity strategies. Unlike conventional recycling pathways, PWtE technologies require specific logistics, technical, and legislative support for downstream activities and end-product distribution, which are not fully covered in the current EPR framework. To overcome the regulatory and policy gaps in the deployment of EPR for PWtE technologies, the existing scope of the EPR scheme must include considerations that maximize the potential of PWtE in promoting PW circularity. In this mini-review, the current status of PWtE and the challenges of integrating PWtE into the existing EPR framework are thoroughly examined, while the prospects for restructuring an EPR scheme that incorporates PWtE technologies are recommended. Corresponding to the identified challenges, the recommendations on improving the EPR structure for effective PWtE adoption include (1) digitalization of measurement, reporting, and verification practices, (2) multilevel policy streamlining, (3) infrastructure enhancement, (4) circular economy modeling transition, and (5) technological advancement and pollution control mandates. Based on the review findings, the relevant stakeholders for the PWtE technologies and PW policymakers can recognize their respective responsibilities in delivering sustainable solutions to reshape a more transparent, scalable, and flexible EPR scheme for diversified PW handling.