BACKGROUND: The Tenth session of the Conference of the Parties of the WHO FCTC Decision cautions against tobacco CSR disguised as tobacco Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and recognizes the potential of using liability to address the environmental consequences of tobacco. In jurisdictions with tobacco EPR schemes, it is crucial to ensure they do not become publicity tools but instead hold the tobacco industry financially accountable for the damages caused. Cleanup is just one aspect of the cost, yet tobacco EPR policies vary significantly across regions. For instance, in the European Union (EU), tobacco manufacturers must contribute to the collection and management of tobacco-related waste, including cigarette butts and plastic packaging. However, there is a lack of global policy harmonization, resulting in inconsistent enforcement and cost structures.
METHODS: Data from a combination of sources, including legislative data, news reports, and policy documents, is collated to assess variations in EPR implementation as to costs producers are required to pay. Case studies are used to illustrate EPR schemes, and a comparative analysis is conducted to identify discrepancies
RESULTS: The findings reveal significant disparities in the cost structures imposed on tobacco manufacturers for waste management across the EU. A table summarizing the differences in cost structures highlights the challenges faced in achieving consistency across the region. The research also compares tobacco waste management with other sectors, such as plastics and electronics, identifying best practices for policy alignment.
CONCLUSIONS: The paper concludes that there is an urgent need to harmonize EPR costs to ensure effective tobacco waste management. Increased financial contributions from tobacco manufacturers are necessary to align these policies with measures on environment, liability, and price measures. Recommendations for policy reform include raising clean-up fees, enforcing stricter regulations, and preventing tobacco industry interference in EPR and related policies.