Funding & EPR: How to Pay for Circular Projects
Updated 2026-07-04 · 6 min read
Good circular ideas often stall for lack of funding or compliance know-how. This guide explains the main routes — including EPR — that help pay for and enable circular projects.
What is EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility makes producers responsible for the end-of-life of their products and packaging. In South Africa, producers of packaging, electronics and more must register with a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) and pay fees that fund collection and recycling.
Funding routes to explore
- EPR fees channelled to collectors and recyclers via PROs
- Grants and green funds for pilots and infrastructure
- Development-finance and impact investors for scale-up
- Municipal and corporate partnerships
How to move forward
- Check whether EPR applies to your products
- Register with the relevant PRO if you're a producer
- Build a clear project case with costs and impact
- Connect with funders and support providers
Frequently asked questions
Does EPR apply to my business?
If you produce, import or brand packaging, electronics or certain other products, EPR obligations likely apply. Check the regulations and register with the relevant Producer Responsibility Organisation.
Where does EPR money go?
Producer fees fund collection, sorting and recycling of the covered materials — supporting the providers and infrastructure that make circular flows work.