In India, the legal framework for managing plastic waste is primarily guided by the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016

 In India, the legal framework for managing plastic waste is primarily guided by the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, which mandate segregation, collection, storage, and disposal, with amendments like the 2018 and 2021 rules focusing on reducing single-use plastics and promoting recycling. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016:

These rules set the foundation for plastic waste management in India, emphasizing the following: 

Segregation at Source: Mandates the separation of plastic waste from other waste streams at the point of generation. 

Collection, Storage, and Transportation: Establishes guidelines for the collection, storage, and transportation of plastic waste. 

Processing and Disposal: Outlines procedures for processing and disposing of plastic waste, including recycling and other methods. 

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Introduces the concept of EPR, where producers are responsible for managing the waste generated by their products. 

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018:

These amendments clarified the role of producers and brand owners in plastic waste management, requiring them to register with the concerned State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Board. 

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021:

These rules focus on reducing single-use plastics, increasing the thickness of plastic carry bags, and promoting the use of alternative materials. 

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:

This act provides the central government with the power to regulate all forms of waste and tackle specific environmental problems, including plastic waste. 

Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016:

These rules, which replaced the earlier rules from 2000, provide a comprehensive framework for the segregation, collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of solid waste in urban areas. 

Hazardous Waste Management Rules:

These rules ensure the safe handling, generation, processing, treatment, package, storage, transportation, use reprocessing, collection, conversion, and offering for sale, destruction and disposal of Hazardous Waste.