In Indonesia, the implementation of EPR is guided by a prioritization of administrative instruments or policies. While specific regulations concerning electronic waste are still being developed, existing regulations such as Government Regulation Number 27 of 2020 on Specific Waste Management provide a foundation. Once the regulatory factors are established, the next step involves formulating detailed operational plans for EPR, including financing mechanisms and the roles of various stakeholders. These plans can be presented in the form of roadmaps, technical manuals, or guidebooks specific to e-waste EPR in Indonesia.
Another crucial aspect is information dissemination and outreach to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed about the EPR program. However, it is essential to prioritize communication with producers, as indicated by the results of the factor priority calculations in this study. Political factors, including stakeholder lobbying, play a significant role in the acceptance and adoption of the EPR concept (Gui et al., 2013). Therefore, effective communication strategies and lobbying efforts are necessary to garner acceptance and demonstrate the benefits of EPR to all stakeholders.
4.3.3 The Scheme of EPR for E-Waste
Based on the results of interviews and ANP questionnaires, a proposed EPR scheme for implementation in Indonesia is presented in Fig. 4. It is important to note that the EPR mechanism may vary in different countries. As a developing country, Indonesia needs to adapt to the existing electronic waste management governance conditions, taking into account the socio-cultural factors of its citizens.
The operational aspect of the proposed scheme is primarily carried out by recycling industry, which should obtain government-issued management permits as part of their new business activities. On the other hand, the organizational aspect, including the management of EPR funds, is assigned to the Environmental Fund Management Agency or Badan Pengelola Dana Lingkungan Hidup (BPDLH) through a mandate from the
central government. BPDLH has confirmed its ability to fulfill the role of an EPR fund management organization (Badan Pengelola Dana Lingkungan Hidup, 2021).
Further examination is required to determine the source of EPR funds. Based on the interviews with various stakeholders, particularly the electronic manufacturer association, it was concluded that including EPR costs in the product price might pose disadvantages for producers if the products do not reach customers (Asosiasi Industri Perangkat Telematika Indonesia, 2021). To find a strategic solution, this study proposes that customers pay additional costs for environmental management when purchasing electronic products from retailers. This approach aligns with the "polluter pays" principle, where funds are ultimately transferred to producers, while acknowledging the shared responsibility of customers (OECD, 2016).
According to the OECD (2016), in several cities, the role of the city government is involved in the EPR scheme, for example, in collection and processing, but there are also those that do not involve the city government. For example, in the EPR packaging schemes in Austria, Germany, and Sweden, the operational and financing obligations are assigned to the producers. PRO and the city government manage part of the collection system. Municipalities may act as contractors for the PRO, providing local services but not having an automated role in the EPR system. Stakeholders must stimulate innovation by focusing more on results rather than achievements, so that manufacturers can be flexible in implementing EPR. The role of the local government should be consulted for clarification regarding the EPR program.
Because of the government's involvement in this program, e-waste is appropriately collected and disposed of, and makers and users are encouraged to be accountable for the end-of-life management of their devices. Compared to Denmark, Hungary, and Iceland, which impose charges, governments can really play a significant role in subsidizing collection and payment, as seen in the EPR e-waste plan in China, some US states, and Alberta, Canada. tax on goods. Processing charges are paid for in part with the tax. If producers lack the resources to design and operate an EPR system, the government's intervention is especially beneficial (OECD, 2016).
One case study of government involvement in EPR of e-waste in Indonesia is the e-waste collecting program by the Environmental Office or Dinas Lingkungan Hidup of Jakarta. The program collects e-waste through three mechanisms: e-waste direct pickup, e-waste dropbox, and waste bank.The collected e-waste is then sorted and taken by a private company. After the dismantling process, the recyclable waste will be recycled, and the other waste will have treatment before being taken to the dumping site. (Wibowo et al., 2021).
The EPR scheme proposed in Fig. 4 is flexible and needs to be tested for its efficiency and effectiveness in Indonesia, especially regarding the role of the local government in taking over the operational technical aspects as well as funding. In the early stages, the focus of EPR should be on specific products, such as handphones. Similar to European Union member states, the EPR targets specific waste streams, including packaging, batteries, and electronic and electrical waste, as identified in EU Directives. Recycling targets are still under review as part of the European Union's waste management policy, and EPR policies vary significantly across EU member states. In Canada, the EPR program is implemented at the sub-national level, such as in states and provinces. Similarly, in Latin America and the Caribbean, several states are beginning to implement EPR with an initial focus on e-waste (OECD, 2016).
In the implementation of EPR, it is not solely the responsibility of producers, and it may no longer be necessary for a producer to be accountable for every aspect of the program. In many EPR initiatives, the involvement of retailers with extensive networks is essential for product take-back from consumers and raising awareness among customers about the service. In some cases, retailers may also bear the cost of collection. Monitoring and enforcement roles are often carried out collectively, with the involvement of Producer Responsibility Organizations (Manomaivibool, 2009).
Actors' and stakeholders' responsibilities within the EPR ecosystem should be distinct from one another (OECD, 2016). It is difficult to ensure that all actors carry out their agreed-upon tasks, which is one hard component of the EPR system. In Switzerland, all stakeholders exhibit a high level of compliance, which aids in addressing the problem of free riding. This is made possible through independent control, monitoring, and the united efforts of all interested parties to establish checks and balances.
Various collector parties play a crucial role in the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism for e-waste in Indonesia. These parties include retailers, Waste Banks, Dropping Boxes, Reparation Shops, the informal sector, and start-ups, each contributing to the collection and proper management of e-waste. First, retailers, such as electronic stores and online marketplaces, serve as important collection points for e-waste. They provide convenient drop-off locations where consumers can return their old or unwanted electronic products for proper disposal or recycling. Second, Waste Banks are community-based initiatives that encourage the collection, segregation, and management of various types of waste, including e-waste. These institutions collaborate with individuals and households to collect and store e-waste, ensuring its proper handling and disposal. Third, Dropping Boxes are another effective collection method for e-waste. These designated containers are strategically placed in public areas, allowing individuals to conveniently drop off their small electronic devices or components for recycling. In addition, Reparation Shops in Indonesia play a role in prolonging the lifespan of electronic products and reducing e-waste generation by repairing and refurbishing items that would otherwise be discarded. Furthermore, the informal sector, including scavengers and waste pickers, plays a significant role in e-waste collection. They collect e-waste from various sources, such as households and businesses, and sell the recovered materials to recyclers or other intermediaries.
Lastly, start-ups have emerged in the e-waste sector to address the challenges of collection and recycling. These innovative companies utilize technology and digital platforms to facilitate the collection, transportation, and processing of e-waste. They offer convenient pickup services, often through mobile applications or online platforms, allowing consumers to request the collection of their e-waste. Several start-ups in Indonesia are actively involved in collecting electronic waste. These companies utilize technology and innovative approaches to facilitate the collection and recycling of e-waste. Some notable start-ups in Indonesia's e-waste sector include Waste4Change, Duitin, Octopus, Jagatera, Smash, Mall Sampah, Angkuts, etc.
These collector parties, along with proper infrastructure and coordination, contribute to the efficient and effective collection of e-waste in Indonesia. Their involvement in the EPR mechanism helps ensure that electronic products reach appropriate recycling facilities and that valuable materials are recovered and reused.