Extended Producer Responsibility in the European Union Waste Management Legal Framework: A Comparative Study with Iranian Law in Light of the Circular Economy

Abstract

Modern waste management policies in the European Union, particularly within the comprehensive framework of the circular economy, have brought about a fundamental transformation in approaches to resource management, environmental protection, and legal regulation. By emphasizing waste prevention, the gradual reduction of landfilling, increased recycling rates, and enhanced material efficiency, these policies are designed to advance the principles of sustainable development, environmental justice, and producer accountability. The 2018 Circular Economy Package and the 2020 legislative reforms, through the establishment of binding rules—including the expansion of extended producer responsibility, the setting of quantitative collection and recycling targets, and the creation of rigorous monitoring systems—require Member States to undertake comprehensive revisions of their national legislation and invest in modern waste-separation and recycling infrastructure. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method and is based on library research. Data were collected through the examination of legal texts, directives, European Commission reports, and policy documents from developed countries. The objectives of the study are to analyze the legal and legislative dimensions of circular economy policies, examine implementation challenges, and identify the most important factors contributing to the successful achievement of these policy objectives. The significance of this research lies in the fact that the European Union’s environmental policies are widely regarded as a strategic model for countries and legal systems seeking convergence with international standards. A comparative analysis of these policies can therefore provide a deeper understanding of the alignment of domestic law with supranational obligations. The findings indicate that the successful implementation of these policies requires transnational cooperation, the use of economic instruments such as tax incentives and subsidies, the adoption of clear and transparent regulations, and the strengthening of enforcement mechanisms. Ultimately, the adoption of a coherent and multilevel approach to legislation, implementation, and oversight not only facilitates the realization of environmental justice and improves citizens’ quality of life, but also provides a strategic model for countries pursuing convergence with the European Union legal framework and seeking to establish an appropriate balance between economic development and environmental protection.