Plastic regulation in India

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.

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