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In order to address the burgeoning rates of plastic waste disposal and to ensure its scientific management, Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWR), 2011, was introduced under the Environment Protection Act,1986. The rules established a framework which assigned responsibilities for plastic waste management to the urban local body (ULB) and set-up a state-level monitoring committee. The rules further addressed the issue of carry bags by setting minimum standards for the thickness and a mandate for retailers to charge a fee for each plastic bag made available. The 2011 rules were succeeded by the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 which was far more comprehensive and sought to effectively address the issue of plastic waste. This version of the rules extended its purview and applicability to rural areas and plastic importers in the supply chain. Further, the minimum thickness of plastic carry bags was increased from 40 micron to 50 micron. The rationale for doing this was double-edged—that is, not only will the recyclability quotient increase, an increase in the manufacturing cost will deter retailers from supplying bags for free. The rules also mandated the producers and brand owners to devise a plan in consultation with the local bodies to introduce a collect back system. This system known as the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) would help assist the municipalities in tackling the plastic waste issue. As a part of the EPR, it also provides for collection of a fee from the producers, importers of plastic carry bags/ multilayered packaging in order to strengthen the financial status of local authorities and, therefore, the plastic waste management systems. The 2016 rules were revised to be known as the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018. Three major changes amongst others have been incorporated in the latter.
Firstly, the rules notify that under Section 9(3), the term ‘non-recyclable multilayered plastic has been substituted by ‘multilayered plastic which is non-recyclable or non-energy recoverable or with no alternate use’.
Secondly, Section 15 dealing with the pricing of carry bags has been omitted. The rule earlier required vendors, who made plastic bags available, to register with the respective urban local body and pay a fee of `48,000 annually.
Thirdly, the new rules attempt to establish a centralized registration system by mandating brand owners and producers operating in more than two states to register with the CPCB. While the rules have been introduced with an attempt to mitigate the plastic menace, some concerns still remain.
Shortfalls and solutions
The unaddressed expression of EPR
The government and industry must aim at partnering and establishing effective and sustainable EPR implementation models. The idea of the EPR introduced by the 2016 rules was novel but lacked detailing. The EPR for plastic waste management would require similar detailing to that provided by the ‘Implementation Guidelines for E-waste’ relating to e-waste. There is a need for a real-time assessment and a state-wise mapping of producers, plastic demand and supply, thereby, formulating realistic and accountable EPR targets. Furthermore, pilot EPR models for low-hanging fruits such as the completely recyclable PET must be prioritized and explored. Municipalities may explore some successful models implemented in the state of Goa which includes measures such as the following:
Further, India could also seek to explore multiple successful models implemented in other countries where producers take the responsibility of the product’s end of life by funding plastic waste management activities.
Sustainability of plastic waste management
Pricing of carry bags
Enforcement of legislation
Multilayered plastics (MLPs)
By: Dr.Dharminder Singh ProfileResourcesReport error
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