Comprehensive Guide to Plastic Waste Management in India

August 20, 2024

India has always placed great importance on maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature. From the ancient Vedic scriptures to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, the concept of living in harmony with the environment has been deeply ingrained in the Indian psyche. However, in recent times, the rapid industrialisation and urbanisation of the country have led to a growing concern over the issue of waste management, particularly plastic waste.

The Indian government has taken several initiatives to address the issue of plastic waste disposal. One of the key initiatives is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, which requires manufacturers to take back and recycle their products at the end of their life cycle. This policy aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. In a speech delivered in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Babul Supriyo, highlighted the government’s efforts to address the plastic waste crisis. He said, “The Government of India has taken several initiatives to tackle the problem of plastic waste, including the ban on single-use plastics, the implementation of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission).

India is facing a growing challenge with plastic waste management. The country generates an estimated 25,940 tonnes of plastic waste per day, with only 60% being recycled. The remaining 40% ends up in landfills, oceans, and waterways, causing significant environmental damage. The Indian government has recognised the urgency of this issue and has taken several initiatives to address it, including the implementation of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 were introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to protect public health and the environment. These rules apply to every waste generator, recycler, manufacturer, importer, producer, distributor, seller, and user of plastic bags, plastic sheets, covers made of plastic sheets, and multilayered packaging.

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Key Features of the Rules

– Carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic must be at least 50 microns in thickness.

– Waste generators, including institutional generators and event organisers, must segregate waste and hand it over to authorised agencies.

– Local bodies must encourage the use of plastic waste for road construction, energy recovery, waste to oil, or co-processing in cement kilns.

– Gram Panchayats (village councils) must set up, operationalise, and coordinate waste management in rural areas.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

One of the key aspects of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 is the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR holds producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for the end-of-life management of their products.

Responsibilities under EPR

– Producers must establish a system for collecting used multi-layered plastic sachets, pouches, or packaging.

– Producers must submit a plan for their collection system to the State Pollution Control Boards while applying for Consent to Establish, Operate, or Renewal.

– Producers must maintain a record of details of the persons engaged in the supply of plastic used as raw material to manufacture carry bags, plastic sheets, covers, or multilayered packaging.

Plastic Waste Disposal Methods

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Recycling

Recycling is considered the best method of disposal of plastic waste in India. The country has a well-established recycling industry, with various technologies being employed to process different types of plastic waste. For example, JB Ecotex, a leading recycling company in India, uses advanced technologies to recycle plastic waste into high-quality raw materials.

Disposal at Landfills

A significant portion of non-recyclable and non-biodegradable plastic waste is disposed of in landfills. However, this method is not the most sustainable or environmentally sound option, as improperly managed landfills can lead to soil and water contamination. For example, the city of Alappuzha in Kerala has implemented a decentralised waste management system that includes the collection and processing of plastic waste, reducing the need for landfills.

Incineration

Incineration is another method used for plastic waste disposal in India. However, this method is not widely adopted due to concerns about air pollution and the high cost of implementing and maintaining incinerators. For example, the city of Mumbai has implemented a waste-to-energy plant that uses incineration to generate electricity from plastic waste.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

EPR is a policy that holds manufacturers and brands responsible for the waste generated by their products. In India, EPR is mandatory for companies that produce or import plastic packaging materials. For example, Hindustan Unilever Limited’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program has collected over 116,000 tons of plastic waste across 160 locations by 2021, achieving plastic neutrality through partnerships and brand-agnostic waste collection efforts. And these numbers have only gotten better over the years.

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Success Stories

Despite the challenges, there are several success stories in plastic waste management in India. One notable example is the work of organisations like Nirmal Vasundhara, which provides professional plastic waste management services in India. The organisation works with businesses and communities to implement effective waste management strategies through recycling and EPR compliance.

Plastic waste management is a complex issue in India, requiring a multi-pronged approach that involves government initiatives, private sector involvement, and community participation. The implementation of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility are important steps in addressing this challenge. By investing in infrastructure, promoting recycling, and raising awareness about the importance of proper waste management, India can make significant strides in reducing plastic pollution and creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment for future generations.

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