The Central Government re-notified the Plastic Packaging Residue Management Rules in the country on Wednesday, taking steps toward a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic. The tasks and obligations of producers, importers, brand owners and central/state pollution control boards for plastic residue management have been prescribed under the new laws. These regulations have gone into effect right now.

Country to use sustainable plastic packaging

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change's goal with the new laws is to promote entirely recyclable plastic throughout the country. According to the government, this will not only boost the cycle economics of plastic packaging residue but will also spur the development of innovative plastic alternatives. These regulations would also pave the road for businesses in the country to use sustainable plastic packaging.

Usage of reusable plastic by categorizing it into four categories

It has been stated that the guidelines, under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), promote the usage of reusable plastic by categorizing it into four categories. Hard plastic packaging, single-layer plastic, multilayer plastic, and coverings made of plastic sheets or plastic sheets, as well as carry bags, are all examples. Because plastic packaging accounts for 60% of all plastic garbage in the country, the government is focusing its efforts on its disposal.

Violations of the restrictions will result in Strict action

Single-use plastic will no longer be used by retailers, hawkers, multiplexes, e-commerce enterprises, private and government organizations, and hospitals across the country. Violations of the restrictions will result in action under the Pollution Act, which will result in the confiscation of items as well as an environmental compensation fine.

This is how we'll get rid of our plastic waste

Plastic waste management targets have been set for producers, importers, and brand owners in a stepwise way under the EPR. It has been mandated that 70 percent of plastic garbage be disposed of in 2022-23 and 100 percent waste be disposed of the following year. Collecting, altering, recycling, re-usable, and, if not viable, disposal of waste are the responsibilities of the parties responsible for waste disposal.

CPCB's importance has grown

If plastic packaging firms do not fulfill the disposal target or do not collect enough credits to meet the annual target, they will be fined. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been tasked with determining fines and overseeing all disposal-related activities. The CPCB will now play the most important role in the management of plastic trash.