Generation of Plastic Waste

Generation of Plastic Waste

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has carried out a study through Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Ahmadabad on “Assessment and Quantification of Plastic Waste in 60 Cities” during the year 2010-11. As per this study, the total quantum of plastic waste generated in the country is estimated to be about 15,342.46 tonnes per day. The total plastic waste, which is collected and recycled in the country, is estimated to be about 9205 tonnes per day and about 6137 tonnes per day of plastic waste remains uncollected. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. The Minister further stated that the problems, which are associated, inter-alia, with the uncollected plastic waste, include (i) choking of drains by plastic carry bags which may lead to unhygienic environment and water borne diseases, (ii) causing of illness and possible death of animals that may feed on plastics from garbage bins, (iii) non-biodegradable and impervious nature of plastics disposed on soil which may arrest recharge of ground water aquifers, (iv) presence of additives and plasticizers, fillers, flame retardants and pigments used in the plastic products which have potential to cause adverse health impact and ground water pollution. The Minister further stated that the Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified the Plastic (Waste Management and Handling) Rules, 2011. These rules, inter-alia, specify that plastic carry bags should have a minimum thickness of 40 microns; food stuffs cannot be packed in recycled plastics or compostable plastics; no carry bags shall be made available free of cost to consumers; and plastic material, in any form shall not be used in any package for packing gutkha, pan masala and tobacco in all forms. The mechanism for plastic waste management has been prescribed in these rules. The State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees in respect of Union Territories are the prescribed authorities for enforcement of provisions of these rules relating to registration, manufacture and recycling. The concerned Municipal Authorities are responsible for enforcement of provisions of these rules relating to the use, collection, segregation, transportation and disposal of plastic waste, the Minister added. RM/RS- USQ4351 - RS (Release ID :95716)