India’s Uphill Battle Against Single-Use Plastic Pollution

India committed to phasing out single-use plastics (SUP) by 2022. Despite progress with the ban on selected SUP items, challenges persist three years later. A report launched at the 6th United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6) highlights the street food sector’s heavy dependence on SUP.

Current Landscape of Single-Use Plastics in India

Banned SUP Items

1. • India banned 19 identified SUP items in 2021, accounting for approximately 0.6 million tonnes per year.
   • The ban did not cover the entire spectrum of SUP, primarily packaging products.
   • Remaining SUP items are covered under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy introduced in 2022.

India’s Share in Plastic Production and Waste

1. • India ranked 13th globally in SUP polymer production investment (Plastic Waste Makers Index 2019).
   • The country ranked 3rd in SUP waste generation, contributing 5.5 million tonnes annually.
   • India’s per capita SUP waste was 4 kg per year, ranking 94th globally.
   • The SUP ban in India addresses roughly 11% of the country’s total SUP waste.

Mismanagement of Plastic Waste

1. • UNEP data reveals that India mismanages 85% of its plastic waste.
   • Mismanaged waste, mostly SUP, is dumped or burnt at roadsides, choking drains and flowing into rivers and oceans.
   • Plastic waste harms marine life directly and indirectly as it degrades into micro- and nano-sized particles.

Challenges in Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics

Lack of Viable Alternatives

1. • Limited availability and accessibility of cost-effective and convenient alternatives to SUP.
   • Transitioning to alternatives requires investment in research, development, and infrastructure.

Economic Considerations

1. • SUP is preferred for its affordability and convenience.
   • Businesses and consumers may resist higher prices for alternative products.

Inadequate Waste Management Infrastructure

1. • Many regions, especially developing countries, lack proper waste management infrastructure.
   • Insufficient infrastructure leads to plastic pollution and environmental degradation.

Policy Implementation and Enforcement

1. • Challenges in enforcing regulations and ensuring compliance.
   • Resistance from industries reliant on SUP and consumers accustomed to its convenience.

Consumer Behavior and Awareness

1. • Difficulty in changing deeply ingrained consumer habits and attitudes towards SUP.
   • Lack of awareness about the environmental impact of SUP.

SUP Waste Generation and Mismanagement

Measures to Tackle Single-Use Plastics

Strengthening Policy and Enforcement

1. • Widen the scope of SUP bans to cover more items and sectors.
   • Improve enforcement capacity and monitoring mechanisms.
   • Mandate public disclosure of environmental compliance by local governments and industries.

Investing in SUP Alternatives

1. • Promote research and development of sustainable and affordable alternatives to SUP.
   • Incentivize businesses to adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions.
   • Create a conducive environment for the growth of the alternative products market.

Enhancing Waste Management Infrastructure

1. • Invest in modern waste management facilities and technologies.
   • Establish efficient collection, segregation, and recycling systems.
   • Promote circular economy principles to minimize waste generation.

Public Awareness and Behavior Change

1. • Conduct large-scale public awareness campaigns on the environmental impact of SUP.
   • Encourage sustainable consumption habits and promote the use of reusable products.
   • Integrate environmental education into school curricula to foster responsible behavior from a young age.

India’s battle against single-use plastics is far from over, despite the progress made with the ban on selected items.

• The country faces multifaceted challenges, including the lack of viable alternatives, economic considerations, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and the need for behavioral change.
• To accelerate the phase-out of SUP, India must strengthen its policy framework, invest in sustainable alternatives, enhance waste management capabilities, and drive public awareness.
• By adopting a holistic approach and engaging all stakeholders, India can pave the way for a cleaner, greener future free from the menace of single-use plastics.
• The journey may be challenging, but with determination and collective action, India can emerge as a global leader in the fight against plastic pollution.