Single use plastic: CPCB takes steps to curb use of single use plastic

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has adopted comprehensive measures to give effect to India’s commitment to ban identified Single Use Plastic items by June 30, 2022.

CPCB’s multi-pronged approach as part of its Comprehensive Action Plan comprises measures to reduce supply of raw materials, demand side measures to reduce plastic demand, enabling measures to promote alternatives to SUP, digital interventions for efficient monitoring and to create awareness, and guidance to State Boards for effective implementation of directions.

As per the 2016 Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, there is a complete ban on sachets using plastic material used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala. As per PWM (Amended) Rules, 2021, the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic less than seventy- five microns has been banned with effect from 30th September, 2021 as opposed to fifty microns recommended earlier under PWM Rules, 2016.

Additionally, the guidelines as of 12th August 2021, prohibits manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of the following identified single use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential with effect from the 1st July, 2022. Those items are earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice- cream sticks, polystyrene (Thermocol) for decoration, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns, stirrers.

Directions have been issued at the national, state, and local levels to limit the supply of designated items. For example, all major petrochemical companies should refrain from supplying plastic raw materials to companies that manufacture illegal SUPs.

In addition, SPCB/PCCs have been given instructions to alter or revoke consent to operate issued under the Air/Water Act to enterprises that produce banned SUP. While the import of banned SUP items. To complete the loop, Local Authorities have been directed to issue.