Environment Ministry suggests ‘buy back policy’ and other models for plastic pens re-use

NEW DELHI: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that to deal with plastic waste including pens, they have suggested three different models for the producers, importers and brand owners to implement the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Mechanism.

The NGT was hearing a petition, which complained about the adverse environmental impact due to the unmonitored use of plastic pens, filed by Avani Mishra. The petition noted that 91 per cent of the plastic waste generated in this way is not recycled and every year, 1600 to 2400 million pieces are brought to the market. The applicant suggested the introduction of ‘buy-back’ policy stating that EPR is currently not implemented properly. 

In response to the plea, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) stated that MoEF&CC is considering the National Framework for EPR under PWM Rules, 2018. It has been communicated to the Ministry by CPCB to specifically list the items that are going to be covered under EPR.

Under EPR, when a product is no longer useful to the consumer, the responsibility for managing its disposal is taken by the producers.

The NGT bench, chaired by Adarsh Kumar Goel, has asked the Ministry to submit a report on further action taken before the next date. The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 14.