What are take back schemes?

What are the responsibilities of importers, producers?

Take back' or 'bring back' schemes are systems where specific products that have become waste because their useful life has expired, are taken out of the general waste stream by the producer/importer or a representative. The easiest way for a take back scheme to take out a product from the general waste stream is for the person who has assumed responsibility to put an incentive on the product.

The consumer will be motivated to return the used product to a collection point to recover the incentive. Not all take back schemes rely on an incentive but producers/importers are free to organise whatever returnable scheme they deem appropriate.

Once returned, the material may easily be dismantled and recycled or even reused. In simple terms, the take back scheme may be referred to as the 'return to sender approach', whereby the producer/importer remains responsible for managing the product once it has reached the post-consumer stage.

These schemes have been introduced in various countries by producers who take a lifecycle approach towards their products. Once this responsibility is assumed, the producer/importer may be exempt (in part or in full) from paying eco-contribution depending on the success of the scheme.

These schemes recognise producers as being the better placed to facilitate resource recovery and safe disposal of products. Producers/importers may actually influence the supply chain by opting to produce/import products that are easier to recycle. It is at that point in the product's lifecycle that decisions are best made to minimise environmental impact.

If schemes are well designed, Maltese industry can benefit through the market advantage that comes from environmental leadership and from the capacity to avoid paying the eco-contribution.

If a producer/importer fails to recognise the benefit of shouldering part of his/her responsibility, then the product marketed will be penalised through the eco-contribution. Once take back schemes are introduced, consumers will have the option to select products which are eco-contribution exempt thereby influencing consumer patters towards a greener custom.

Experience in other countries suggests that the concept is workable in practice. Take back schemes depend largely on industrial initiative. However, these schemes also require controls by the competent authorities which will regulate these schemes to ensure that they deliver benefits without undesirable side effects.

Dr Ciantar is head, Strategy and Development, at WasteServ Malta Ltd.