Waste minimisation through EPR the only way: NITI Aayog

NEW DELHI: Government think tank NITI Aayog has recommended improving waste minimization through extended producer responsibility (EPR), correct labelling, and collection of compostable and biodegradable plastics as a way to promote the adoption of plastic alternatives. The Aayog also recommended providing a grace period for the adoption of biodegradable plastics.

Beginning on Friday, certain single-use plastic items will be prohibited. State governments will launch an enforcement campaign to find and shut down businesses which produce, distribute, stock, or sell these products. The term “single-use plastics” (SUP), sometimes known as “disposable plastics,” refers to materials that are frequently used for plastic packaging and include goods that are meant to be used just once before being discarded or recycled. The report titled “Alternative Products and Technologies to Plastics and their Applications” stated that plastic, which once was a miracle, has become a threat to marine and terrestrial life. Waste minimization is the most desired method of waste management, and it has to be strengthened through EPR, according to the statement. The report emphasised the necessity for accurate labelling of waste and collection of compostable and biodegradable plastics and made a case for promoting R&D and providing incentives for the industry.

It was noted that 8300 million tonnes of polymers, synthetic fibre, and additives were produced cumulatively between 1950 and 2015, of which 4,600 million tonnes (or 55% of total production) went directly to landfills or were discarded, 700 million tonnes (or 8% of total production) were burned, and only 500 million tonnes (or 6% of total production) were recycled. According to a research by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India produced 3.47 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with per-person waste increasing from 700 grams to 2,500 grams during the previous five years.

The paper noted that, regrettably, only a small portion of this plastic waste is recycled and that the remainder of it permeates into the environment through a variety of harmful channels. According to the report, India only collects 60% of its plastic waste, leaving the other 40% to be dumped into the environment as waste.

Bhupender Yadav, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, stated on Tuesday that the government had given the industry and the general public enough time to prepare for the ban on SUP items and requested everyone’s cooperation in implementing it. However, several manufacturers have stated they are not prepared to implement the ban because there are no alternatives, and the government has given everyone enough time to do so. According to Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act (EPA) and the ordinances of the respective municipal corporations, violating the ban will result in punitive action, which may include a fine or a jail sentence or both.