Exploring EPR Governance under the new Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

The EPR Club, in collaboration with EurEau, held a dedicated session on 17 March to examine the governance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations under the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD). The event brought together experts from the water sector, policymakers, and industry representatives to discuss key implementation challenges, including financial responsibility, producer obligations, and the role of Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs). Speakers explored various governance models, highlighting the need for harmonisation across Member States while ensuring transparency and efficiency in managing micropollutant treatment costs. 

The discussion also addressed concerns from the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, which are now required to contribute to the cost of quaternary treatment for micropollutants under the new directive. Participants debated the feasibility of a single PRO per country versus multiple PROs, as well as the principles for fee allocation and potential impacts on product design. The event provided valuable insights for stakeholders preparing for the transposition of the directive into national law by 2027.  

Full minutes and presentations from the session are now available on the EPR Club website.