Starting with the recent developments concerning plastic waste management in India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has announced the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022. This new amendment is aimed at accelerating the eradication of single-use plastics and facilitate the transition to alternative materials. These regulations also shed light on the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in relation to plastic packaging.
Introduction to Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016
Established in 2016, the Plastic Waste Management Rules require those producing plastic waste to minimize generation, prevent littering, and ensure segregated storage of waste at its source, among other measures. These rules also delineate the roles of local bodies, gram panchayats, waste generators, retailers, and street vendors in managing plastic waste.
The New Provisions in Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022
Under the new rules, various types of plastics have been categorized:
– Category 1 includes rigid plastic packaging
– Category 2 encompasses flexible plastic packaging, including single and multi-layered plastics, plastic sheets and covers, carry bags, sachets, or pouches made of plastic.
– Category 3 contains multi-layered plastic packaging containing at least one layer of plastic and another layer constituted of a different material.
– Finally, category 4 includes plastic sheets used for packaging and carry bags composed of compostable plastics.
Significant Changes and Additions
The new regulations encourage the reuse of rigid plastic packaging materials and mandate a minimum level of recycling of plastic packaging waste collected under EPR. Also, these guidelines let surplus extended producer responsibility certificates to be sold and purchased, thus establishing a market mechanism for plastic waste management.
Centralised Online Portal and Environmental Compensation
An online portal has been proposed to be set up by the Central Pollution Control Board for registration and annual returns filing. This portal will act as a single point data repository related to EPR implementation. The principle of “Polluter Pays” has been employed to levy environmental compensation. A committee, headed by the CPCB chairman, will recommend measures for effective implementation of EPR to the environment ministry.
The Significance of the New Guidelines
These guidelines not only promote the creation of new plastic alternatives but also provide a roadmap for businesses to adopt sustainable plastic packaging. The circular economy of plastic packaging waste will be strengthened through these guidelines. Besides, it will aid in reducing pollution resulting from littered plastic waste. India reportedly produces around 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually.
Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems and UNDP’s Goal
Plastic waste build-up can cause significant harm to the environment, including damaging aquatic ecosystems if it finds its way into oceans. The United Nations Development Programme has expressed an objective to enhance its plastic waste management to 100 cities in India by 2024.
Other Initiatives to Curb Plastic Waste
Apart from introducing new legislation, various other initiatives have been launched to tackle plastic waste, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, India Plastics Pact, Project REPLAN, Un-Plastic Collective, GoLitter Partnerships, and Project Way Forward.
Challenges and Suggestions
A complete ban won’t necessarily stop manufacturers from making single-use plastic products. It’s crucial to find substitutes for these items and secure alternate sources of income for producers and waste pickers. Imposing fines is an option, but rewarding producers for switching to more sustainable products can also be effective. Promoting responsible consumerism, proper monitoring, and encouraging behavioural changes are crucial to achieving this goal.
