Product Stewardship

Product Stewardship Principles

Product stewardship policy approaches nationally are gradually moving from single-product approaches toward a framework approach. The framework approach establishes consistent principles, clearly defined roles for all parties, predictability and an open process for adding new products. Product stewardship programs generally incorporate the following principles:

• Manufacturers are made responsible for implementing and paying for an environmentally sound system to collect and manage their products. The products are often ones that contain hazardous or toxic components, or are difficult to manage once the product is discarded.
• Products and materials that are targeted for take-back should be defined.
• Waste management costs are shifted from government and the ratepayer to the manufacturer. Manufacturers internalize the costs of managing the discarded products and may or may not pass it on in the price of the product. No taxes or fees are administered by government agencies.
• The collection and recycling system must be statewide, free and convenient for all who use the system.
• Manufacturers are given an incentive to phase out hazardous and toxic components, to design products that can be easily recycled and to develop markets for the recyclable materials.
• Government provides a level playing field for manufacturers by adopting legislation and performance requirements.
• Collection and recycling measures and timetables for meeting performance goals are established. Manufacturers are responsible for tracking and reporting progress toward goals.
• Standards are established for recyclers and processors to ensure that the materials are handled in an environmentally sound manner.
• Governments provide oversight and enforcement.

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