Commitment to Environmental Regulations
Colombia is fully committed to its Environmental program and is updating its existing regulations published in 2015. The current Minister of the Environment reinforces and promotes compliance with the law regarding "Extended Producer Responsibility" through programs designed to strengthen these requirements.
Extended Producer Responsibility
Post-consumer waste management is fundamentally based on the concept of extended producer responsibility. This instrument regulates manufacturers and importers of certain mass consumption products, ensuring they organize, develop, and finance the comprehensive management of residues derived from their products once consumers discard them. Through Regulation (Decree 2811), it is established that producers and importers are subject to a management plan for the return of post-consumer products.
Regulated Products
The primary goal is to prevent the following regulated products from being disposed of with common household waste, ensuring they are separated for proper collection and use:
- Pesticide containers
- Medication or expired drugs
- Used lead-acid batteries
- Batteries and/or accumulators
- Used tires
- Light bulbs
- Computers and peripherals
- Containers and packaging
In the context of environmental regulations, the term "Producer" includes manufacturers, importers, assemblers, and individuals who have products manufactured under their own trademarks, even if they are not manufacturers or importers.
Responsibilities of Producers
Producers are generally responsible for:
- Implementing collection mechanisms for end users to return post-consumer waste.
- Providing all necessary information to clarify how and where post-consumer waste should be delivered and managed.
- Designing, financing, and developing selective collection systems, training sessions, and program dissemination.
- Meeting minimum collection and management goals.
- Ensuring proper management of the waste collected at all stages.
- Submitting environmental license requests to the environmental authority.
More Information
For more information, visit the Regulatory Reference Page - https://www.minambiente.gov.co/asuntos-ambientales-sectorial-y-urbana/programas-pos-consumos/#tabs-1.