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Plastic regulation in India

22nd April, 2024

Plastic regulation in India

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement is not intended.

Context:

  • India supports regulating single-use plastic rather than outright eliminating it, according to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

Plastic regulations in India

The Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 has the following provisions:

  • Segregated Storage at Source: Ensures that waste is segregated at its source, facilitating proper management and disposal.
  • Responsibilities of Local Bodies: The rules outline the responsibilities of local bodies in managing plastic waste within their jurisdictions.
  • Involvement of Gram Panchayats: Requires gram panchayats to play a role in the effective management of plastic waste in rural areas.
  • Role of Waste Generators: Rules also Specifies the responsibilities of waste generators in managing plastic waste, promoting accountability.
  • Duties of Retailers and Street Vendors: Mandates retailers and street vendors to participate in plastic waste management efforts, ensuring compliance and cooperation.

Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2021)

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022 amended The Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016.

Provisions under the New Rules:

  • Classification of Plastics:
    • Category 1: Rigid plastic packaging will be included under this category.
    • Category 2: Flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags, plastic sachet or pouches will be included under this category.
    • Category 3: Multi-layered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic) will be included under this category.
    • Category 4: Plastic sheet or like used for packaging as well as carry bags made of compostable plastics fall under this category.

Extended Producer Responsibility Certificates:

  1. Guidelines now permit the sale and purchase of excess Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates, creating a market for managing plastic waste.
  2. This market system will help handle plastic waste better.

Centralised Online Portal:

  1. The government wants a single online portal, managed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), where producers, importers, brand-owners, and plastic waste processors can register and submit annual reports by March 31, 2022.
  2. This portal will keep track of all orders and guidelines for implementing EPR for plastic packaging under the Plastic Waste Management Rule, 2016.

Environmental Compensation:

  1. Based on the "polluter pays" principle, producers, importers, and brand owners failing to meet EPR targets will face environmental compensation charges.
  2. This principle holds those responsible for pollution accountable for fixing it, regardless of intent.

Committee to Recommend Measures:

  1. A committee, chaired by the CPCB chairman, will suggest ways to improve EPR implementation, including possible changes to EPR guidelines.

Annual Report on EPR Portal:

  1. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) must submit an annual report on the EPR portal regarding EPR compliance by producers, importers, brand-owners, and plastic waste processors in their state or Union Territory to the CPCB.

Single-Use Plastics:

●These are defined as disposable goods that are made with plastic but are generally use-and-throw after a single use and include plastic cups, spoons, earbuds, decorative thermocol, wrapping or packaging film used to cover sweet boxes and cigarette packets, and plastic cutlery.

●It, however, doesn’t include plastic bottles – even those less than 200ml— and multi-layered packaging boxes (like in milk cartons).

●Moreover, even the single-use plastic items that are banned are not uniformly enforced nationally with several outlets continuing to retail these goods.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are plastic debris smaller than 5mm in length, or about the size of a sesame seed.

They come from a variety of sources, one of them is when larger pieces of plastic degrade into smaller pieces, which are difficult to detect.

Other Initiatives taken to Curb Plastic Waste?

  • Swachh Bharat Mission
  • India Plastics Pact
  • Project REPLAN
  • Un-Plastic Collective
  • GoLitter Partnerships Project

Impact of Plastic waste mismanagement -Read here: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/plastic-overshoot-day#:~:text=Despite%20some%20improvements%20in%20plastic,%2C%20recycling%2C%20and%20disposal%20infrastructure.

Issues of plastic waste in India- read here:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/plastic-wastes-in-india

Source:

https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/80094/OPS/GADCMT9HA.1.png?cropFromPage=true

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) With reference to the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, consider the following statements:

1. The amendment introduces a new classification system for plastics, categorizing them into three distinct categories based on their composition and use.

2. Under the amended rules, only producers and brand owners are required to obtain Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates, which can be traded in a market system established for managing plastic waste effectively.

3. A centralized online portal, overseen by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), aimed at streamlining the registration and reporting processes for producers, importers, brand owners, and plastic waste processors has been developed.

4. Environmental compensation charges will be levied on producers and brand owners only failing to meet their prescribed EPR targets, aligning with the "polluter pays" principle.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 3 and 4 only

[D] 1, 2, and 4 Only

Answer: D

Statement 1 is incorrect :

The amendment introduces a new classification system for plastics, enhancing clarity and specificity in identifying different types of plastics based on their characteristics and intended use. This classification enables better regulation and management of plastic waste by categorizing it into distinct groups with specific handling requirements and disposal methods.

Classification of Plastics:

Category 1: Rigid plastic packaging will be included under this category.

Category 2: Flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags, plastic sachet or pouches will be included under this category.

Category 3: Multi-layered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic) will be included under this category.

Category 4: Plastic sheet or like used for packaging as well as carry bags made of compostable plastics fall under this category.

Statement 2 is incorrect:

The requirement for obtaining EPR certificates incentivizes producers, importers, and brand owners to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their plastic products. By allowing the trading of EPR certificates, the rules create a market mechanism to encourage participation and facilitate the effective management of plastic waste.

Statement 3 is correct:

The government's initiative to establish a centralized online portal for managing plastic waste serves as a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to register, submit reports, and access guidelines related to EPR compliance. Its implementation enhances transparency, accountability, and regulatory oversight in plastic waste management by centralizing information and facilitating real-time monitoring of compliance efforts.

Statement 4 is incorrect:

This statement inaccurately reflects the provision for levying environmental compensation charges on non-compliant stakeholders as per the "polluter pays" principle. This mechanism holds producers, importers, and brand owners financially accountable for their contributions to plastic pollution and encourages them to fulfill their EPR obligations to avoid penalties. By imposing financial consequences for non-compliance, the rules aim to deter irresponsible practices and promote responsible plastic waste management practices