Reflecting on Two Years of the GAP for EPR Helpdesk: Key Takeaways and What’s Next
Over the past two years, the GAP for EPR has supported countries and stakeholders around the world in advancing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems through its EPR Helpdesk.
Recently, the GAP for EPR has looked back on the Helpdesk’s achievements, shared practical lessons from implementation support, and explored opportunities for continued collaboration beyond the current Helpdesk phase.
Each country’s EPR journey is unique
One of the main lessons is that successful EPR implementation requires more than legislation. While many countries are introducing EPR policies, effective systems depend on strong stakeholder engagement, reliable data, institutional capacity, and long-term political commitment.
Experience from the Helpdesk also showed that countries benefit most from flexible, demand-driven support. Requests ranged from legal and policy advice to technical guidance on producer responsibility organisations, fee systems, and implementation planning, highlighting that each country’s EPR journey is unique.
Another key takeaway is that EPR should be considered as part of a broader circular economy transition. Well-designed EPR schemes can improve waste management and recycling, but they are most effective when complemented by measures that promote waste prevention, eco-design, and resource efficiency.
A growing global demand
These insights were shared during a recent webinar featuring the GAP for EPR Core Group, technical experts from cyclos GmbH and Oeko-Institut, and representatives from partner countries, who reflected on the Helpdesk’s achievements and discussed opportunities for continued international collaboration.
Since its launch, the GAP for EPR Helpdesk has received 28 requests, taken on 18 support engagements, and worked with organisations from 27 countries through activities ranging from policy advice and legal reviews to capacity building, peer learning, and analytical studies. These figures reflect the growing global demand for tailored technical support on EPR implementation.
Practical experiences from beneficiary countries illustrated the impact of this support in practice. In Cambodia, for example, collaboration with the GAP for EPR Helpdesk contributed to the development of the country’s EPR framework for electronic waste through regulatory reviews, public-private dialogue, and ongoing efforts to strengthen legislation and implementation.
Looking ahead, participants agreed that the Helpdesk has proven to be an effective entry point for countries seeking rapid, targeted expert advice. However, many also noted that moving from initial guidance to full implementation requires longer-term engagement, continued knowledge exchange, and stronger international collaboration.
These discussions underscored the value of maintaining peer learning opportunities and developing mechanisms to support countries beyond the current Helpdesk phase.
Presentation and recording now available
If you missed the webinar or would like to revisit the discussion, the presentation and recording are now available. They provide an overview of the Helpdesk’s achievements over the past two years, practical lessons learned from supporting countries worldwide, and reflections on the future of EPR implementation.
Are you working on Extended Producer Responsibility in your country or organisation? The GAP for EPR Helpdesk continues to provide tailored technical support on EPR policy development and implementation. If you would like to request assistance, learn more about the Helpdesk, or explore the available resources, submit your request down below!
Request help from our expert pool
Do you have a specific question regarding your EPR journey? Simply send in a request and we will match you with an expert who can provide the guidance you require. Whether you seek valuable peer exchanges, supportive colleagues, or in-depth consultancy services, we are committed to finding the most appropriate solution for your specific needs. For medium- and low-income countries, the helpdesk is generally free of charge. However, the actual fee, or lack thereof, will be determined on case-by-case basis. Fill out the form below to request help!
For Helpdesk Support in the following countries – Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Uganda – we are collaborating with the SWITCH to Circular Economy in Eastern and Southern Africa (SWITCH-2-CE in ESA), co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation. If you are part of one of these countries, your request will be handled by SWITCH-2-CE in ESA EPR expert team, whilst all others are supported by the Global Action Partnership for EPR.
Join as an expert
Join our expert pool and explore a platform where experts like you lead the global conversation on EPR and shape the discourse on its future trajectory. Benefit from an exclusive expert circle within our community space and be our first point of contact in all matters EPR. With its global outreach, GAP for EPR is the ideal platform for experts to share their expertise and be at the heart of EPR innovation.
If you’re keen on joining, the first step is to join the PREVENT Waste Alliance. Apply for a PREVENT membership and specify your interest in the EPR Expert Pool. Already a PREVENT member? Then proceed to the form below!