Efficient. Predictive. Reliable.

The 10 Decisions That Make or Break an EPR System

After 25 years of EPR implementation worldwide, we mapped the critical decisions that define system success — and built a governance model that actually delivers.

See Why Most EPR Systems Fail ↓

Why Most EPR Systems Fail Before They Begin

After 25 years of EPR implementation worldwide, the pattern is clear: great policy design often fails in practice. These are the most important hidden points that make or break national systems — the exact challenges EPR 2.0 is built to solve.

Legal Fragmentation: When the System Fails Before It Starts.

Fragmented Legal Framework
Laws and bylaws not aligned, no system, change often, overlap, or contradict each other — no single coherent system logic.
Missing Bylaws & Guidance
Critical implementing rules are absent, causing daily uncertainty and inconsistent enforcement.
System Not Built Across Waste Streams
Packaging, WEEE, batteries and other waste streams run as silos — no synergy, no holistic approach shared data or infrastructure.
Complex, Changing Regulations
Constant legal revisions make compliance unpredictable for all stakeholders.

Systems without Supervision: When Control Becomes Illusion.

Weak Data & IT Backbone
Manual, paper-based reporting; data not specified, is unreliable, incomparable, and unverifiable.
No Cross-Authority Data Exchange
Customs and Tax excluded from the data loop — free riders stay invisible.
Underfunded & Undermanned Authorities
State entites lack staff, tools, knowledge, power and digital systems for real supervision and enforcement.
Reporting Gaps
Many obligated entities fail to report; data coverage is chaotic, incomplete and outdated.
Free Riders & Informal Collectors
Up to half of producers and collectors operate outside regulation.
Competing PROs
PROs are competing in prices, instead of service quality, competition discourages strict control.
No checkup on payment, and finances
No full net cost coverage, no fee calculation mechanist, no incentives and no one checks if the “bills are paid”

From Collection to Recycling: The Chain Breaks in Every Link.

Poor Municipal–PRO Cooperation
No clear contracts or guidance → chaotic collection structures.
Inefficient Collection & Logistics
Late, overlapping, or underperforming collection infrastructure, cherrypicking, areas uncovered, collected material is low quality.
Too Little Input for Recycling
Low separate collection makes domestic recycling economically impossible.
Unverified Recycling (Especially Exports)
Exported waste declared “100 % recycled” — no tracking, no proof.
Ineffective Public Awareness
Uncoordinated campaigns; communication used to prioritize some players, citizens remain disengaged.

We’ve seen these same failures repeated across countries and waste streams. Each of them is solvable — but only through a system that unites legal clarity, verified data, and real accountability.
That’s exactly what EPR 2.0 delivers.

Discover the 10 Strategic Decisions That Shall be done to build a lasting, successful EPR system

EPR systems were meant to ensure proper waste collection and recycling. So why are we still missing the mark?

Because the core implementation decisions were never made right — or not enforced at all.

The 10 Decisions That Make or Break an EPR System

A checklist that shall used by policymakers and consultants across Europe.

We Mapped These 10 Decisions and Even more — then Built the Solution. After 25 years of designing every EPR systems across Europe and beyond, we identified the decisions that define every system’s success — or failure. Then we asked the next question: What if these decisions could be implemented, verified, and managed through one integrated, self-supervising system? That’s how EPR 2.0 was born.

Meet the Founders

Building Systems That Actually Work

Together, we share a philosophy: sustainability must be both strategic and executable. This is why we co-founded First Development Ltd.—to ensure that waste management, EPR, DRS, and circular economy projects are not just designed beautifully on paper, but built to work in the real world, delivering measurable results that satisfy both authorities and beneficiaries.

For us, every collaboration is personal. We value trust, clarity, and long-term partnerships that move organizations toward a more sustainable and responsible future.

Dr. Krisztina Wégner

Environmental Lawyer & Circular Economy Consultant

360-degree experience: regulator, state insider, international advisor. Specializes in building consensus and transforming theoretical plans into executable systems.

Erika Horváth

Environmental & Circular Economy Consultant

20+ years in ESG strategy, waste data management, and circular economy. Connects regulation, technology, and people—translating frameworks into measurable impact.

Let’s Make Your Next EPR Project a Verified Success

Our experience in designing implementable systems and our EPR 2.0 concept provide the structure, transparency, and assurance your project needs to deliver lasting results — even in challenging environments.

Schedule a De-Risking Strategy Session →

Or contact us directly:
info@firstdevelopmentglobal.com

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