The government has enforced the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Guidelines 2026 to tackle rising plastic pollution and promote sustainable waste management in Bangladesh.
The environment ministry issued the guidelines in a gazette published on Aug 13, requiring producers, importers and brand owners to manage their plastic products after use, under Section 13 of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995.
The guidelines will apply to all recyclable and non-recyclable plastic products produced or used in Bangladesh, as well as their manufacturers, importers and brand owners.
Export-oriented industries producing goods solely against export orders fall outside its scope.
Plastic products have been divided into five categories: rigid plastic, flexible plastic, styrofoam or EPS, single-use plastic not prohibited by the government, and other products, including sanitary napkins, diapers and cigarette filters.
The Department of Environment (DoE) will list obligated entities in phases: large industries during the first two years, medium-sized industries during the following two years and small industries in the fifth year.
Obligated entities must register within six months of being listed, with each registration valid for three years. They may independently manage waste collection, recycling and disposal or do so jointly through a Producer Responsibility Organisation.
For the first two years, obligated entities must collect at least 15 percent and recycle 7.5 percent of their waste.
From subsequent years, the targets will rise to 30 percent collection and 15 percent recycling.
These targets will be reviewed and updated in consultation with stakeholders based on three years of experience.
Waste collected above the target may be sold as “plastic credits” to other organisations or in international markets through government-approved mechanisms.
Companies must submit annual progress reports, without which their registration cannot be renewed.
The DoE will conduct regular inspections, audits and data checks, and may suspend or cancel registrations and pursue legal action over false information.
The ministry expects the guidelines to expand waste collection and recycling infrastructure, formalise the informal waste collection sector and promote a circular economy.
It also expects the measures to help reduce marine plastic pollution and strengthen Bangladesh’s efforts to meet international commitments on plastic pollution.
