Improves sorting and participation

Awareness campaigns, often delivered in partnership with local authorities, help consumers understand how to properly sort packaging and end-of-life products. This improves collection and recycling outcomes and reduces contamination, which in turn lowers system costs and increases material recovery.

Supports reuse and sustainable consumption

Labels and product information can inform consumers about product composition, disposal instructions, and whether packaging is single-use or reusable. Clear labeling strengthens reuse systems and empowers consumers to make more sustainable choices.

Promotes litter prevention and waste reduction

Public education campaigns can raise awareness about the environmental impacts of litter and promote responsible disposal behaviors. These efforts are especially important in the early stages of programme implementation and in areas with low participation rates.

Engages all stakeholders

While the entity operating the EPR programme often leads public outreach, all actors, including producers, retailers, municipalities, and civil society, have a role to play in promoting EPR services and good waste management practices. Distinct messaging may be needed for different audiences, including large and small producers, consumers, and institutional users.

Ties into programme goals and performance objectives

Awareness efforts may be tied to quantitative or qualitative objectives, such as increasing recycling rates or reducing contamination. These goals should be tracked and reported as part of the system’s overall performance measurement framework.