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Plastic Pollution in India

8th September, 2024

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Context: 

India has secured the top spot as the biggest plastic polluter in the world, releasing 9.3 million tonnes (Mt) annually, according to a new study published in the journal Nature.

 Findings of the study:

  • The study quantified emissions for 50,702 municipality-level administrations from five sources:
      • Uncollected waste,
      • Littering, collection
      • Systems,
      • Uncontrolled disposal and
      • Rejects from sorting and reprocessing.
  • The littering was the largest emission source in the Global North, uncollected waste was the dominant source across the Global South.
Official figures of government reports in India:
  • As per the Central Pollution Control Board’s reports, the waste generation rate is approximately 0.12 kilogrammes per capita per day and it is likely underestimated as per the study published in Journal Nature.
  • Additionally, as per the same study, waste collection is likely overestimated.

Reasons for mismatches in data

This could be because official statistics exclude:

      • Rural areas,
      • The open burning of uncollected waste, or
      • Waste is recycled by the informal sector.

 Global trend in Plastic waste and emissions

  • Globally, roughly 69 per cent of the world’s plastic waste emissions come from 20 countries, of which four are low-income countries, nine are lower-middle-income countries and seven are upper-middle-income.
  • High-income countries have higher plastic waste generation rates, but none are ranked in the top 90 polluters, due to 100 per cent collection coverage and controlled disposal.

Ranking of countries

  • India topped the spot as the biggest plastic polluter in the world.
  • The second and third spots were Nigeria, with 3.5 Mt of emissions and Indonesia, with 3.4 Mt.
  • China, which was the highest polluter globally in the previous study, was placed in the fourth spot, reflecting the country’s progress in adopting waste incineration and controlled landfills.

 Top 10 plastic polluters rankedAngeliki Savvant Oglou of Bear Bones / phys.org

Definition of plastic emission

The study defined plastic emissions as materials that have moved from the managed or mismanaged system (controlled or contained state) to the unmanaged system (uncontrolled or uncontained state — the environment).

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)

Established in 2022.

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) aims to develop "the instrument," based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.

Parent Institution: United Nations Environment Programme

INC sessions so far

  • INC-1 – Punta del Este, Uruguay, 2022 Nov.
  • INC-2- occurred in Paris, France ( May – June 2023)
  • INC-3 – occurred in  Nairobi  (Dec 2023)
  • INC-4 – Ottawa, Canada ( 2024)
  • INC-5 – Scheduled for South Korea (2024 Nov)

For further study please refer following article:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/inc-on-plastic-pollution

What are the initiatives to tackle plastic pollution?

Indian Initiatives:

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022:

This amendment includes a ban on the production, import, stocking, distribution, and sale of specific single-use plastics, such as cutlery and plates, by July 2022.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

EPR mandates that producers are responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of plastic products, including their disposal, which encourages better recycling and waste management.

National Dashboard on Elimination of Single-Use Plastic and Plastic Waste Management:

Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to track the implementation of plastic waste management strategies and monitor progress towards reducing single-use plastics.

India Plastics Pact:

  • Part of a global initiative, this pact aims to eliminate problematic plastic packaging and increase recycling rates, with commitments from major businesses and organisations.
  • The Pact has been developed by WWF India and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
  • WRAP is supporting The India Plastics Pact as a strategic partner with funding from UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and Stewart Investors.

Project REPLAN:

A collaborative effort involving companies, NGOs, and government bodies to redesign plastic packaging to reduce plastic usage and enhance recycling.

Global Initiatives:

European Union Directive on Single-Use Plastics:

Effective from July 2021, this directive bans single-use plastic items like straws, cutlery, and plates, and mandates that member states achieve a 90% collection rate for plastic bottles by 2029.

Closing the Loop:

An initiative promoting a circular economy, it focuses on ensuring that plastic products are collected, recycled, and reintroduced into the market, aiming for zero plastic waste.

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative:

Launched by the UN Environment Programme and the World Tourism Organization, this initiative encourages tourism businesses to commit to eliminating single-use plastics and enhancing recycling practices.

Way Forward:

 The 3R’s + E Strategy: 

  • Reduce: Cut down plastic usage through conscious consumer choices and reducing packaging.
  • Reuse: Repurpose plastic items wherever possible before disposal.
  • Recycle: Collect and process plastic waste to create new products, minimizing landfill contributions.
  • Educate: Raise awareness and promote behavioural change regarding plastic usage and recycling.

Circular economy:

Develop and implement regulations to combat plastic pollution and promote a circular economy.

Policy Shifts:

Create incentives for businesses and consumers to adopt sustainable practices, enhance plastic design, and improve recycling processes.

Taxation and Incentives:

Impose taxes on single-use plastics and provide subsidies or tax breaks for alternatives.

Standards and Labelling:

Introduce product standards and labels to inform the public about environmental and health impacts.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

Mandate that manufacturers manage the lifecycle of their plastic products, from production to disposal.

Important articles for reference

Non-plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution

Plastic regulation in India

Arctic plastic crisis

India plastic pacts

Sources:

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) India has taken various initiatives to tackle the challenge of plastic pollution in India. However, the official figures on plastic waste generation and the ground reality may not be the same. In this context analyse the issues of plastic pollution in India and discuss the ways to address the same. ( 250 words)

 

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