Strengthening sustainable policies for empty pesticide containers: Comparative study of Indonesia and global practices

The management of empty pesticide containers (EPCs) poses not only an environmental challenge but also a complex organizational and institutional issue, necessitating coordinated efforts across government, industry, and agricultural communities. Improper disposal of EPCs contributes to environmental degradation and public health risks, emphasizing the pressing need for optimized reverse logistics and effective multi-stakeholder governance. This study examines global EPC management practices by comparing regulatory frameworks, organizational models, and supply chain strategies with Indonesia’s current approach. It addresses a critical gap in the policy and institutional design of EPC management through a comparative analysis of international regulatory frameworks and governance models. The study examines 58 research articles to understand how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Multi-Level Governance (MLG) can help improve Indonesia's current system by identifying the best practices used in other countries. The findings reveal that effective EPC systems rely on clearly assigned roles, industry-led return schemes, and robust local government capacity, as factors that currently lacking in Indonesia. This research contributes to environmental policy and organizational studies by suggesting a governance-focused plan for improving EPC in Indonesia, which includes required EPR adoption, organized collection systems, and specific involvement of farmers. By bridging regulatory theory and institutional practice, this study offers actionable insights to enhance sustainable agrochemical waste management in emerging economies.