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The manual will be critical in achieving the objective of reducing plastic consumption and increasing plastic waste recycling, as well as ensuring that plastic waste is kept to a minimum.
The research was created in collaboration with top professionals and organizations in the field of plastic waste.
The importance of managing plastic trash
- Plastic was created in 1907, and because it was cheaper and more convenient than previous materials, it quickly found its way into our daily life in a variety of ways.
- Plastic is now found in practically everything, from our money to electronic equipment, and it is employed in a variety of industries, including packaging, construction, transportation, industrial machinery, and health care.
- However, a lack of long-term plastic waste management (PWM) poses a severe threat to our environment and natural ecosystems around the world.
- While a considerable amount of plastic garbage is generated, data shows that only a small percentage of it is managed and dumped in a sustainable manner around the world.
- The packaging business is the major contributor to the 400 million tonnes of plastic trash produced annually by various manufacturing industries throughout the world.
- In the absence of efficient PWM concentrating on reuse, reduction, and recycling of plastic waste, plastic pollution has become a severe global threat.
- All rich and developing countries are taking various steps to reduce plastic trash, but developing countries bear the brunt of the responsibility.
- The first is converting various types of plastic trash into secondary material through recycling or reprocessing. The incineration of plastic trash is the second option. Incineration, on the other hand, is costly and polluting if not carried out properly.
Plastic that is only used once
Single-use plastic is defined as a plastic object meant to be used once for the same purpose before being disposed of or recycled, according to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, as amended in 2021. Single-use plastics, also known as throwaway plastics, are extensively used for plastic packaging, including things meant to be used just once before being thrown away or recycled, according to the United Nations.
Grocery bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups, and silverware are all examples.
Because of its ease of use and widespread availability, single-use plastic is the most common type of plastic. It is the hardest to recycle, despite being inexpensive, robust, and hygienic for transporting goods.
Plastic carry bags use less energy and water to manufacture and produce less solid waste than paper bags since they take up less landfill area. These distinguishing characteristics of single-use plastics make it a popular commercial material.
The negative effects of single-use plastic have created an alarming situation around the world, prompting a demand for countries to make plastic promises.
Plastic waste management rules and guidelines
India began developing its waste management regulatory framework about two decades ago, in response to the country’s growing garbage crisis. The Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change in 2000, were the first-ever waste management laws. Since then, the country’s waste management legislation has evolved and undergone a tremendous transition in various areas.
Single-use plastics are the subject of India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 and 2018, as well as a recently planned revision for 2021. The regulations define several types of plastics and provide recycling procedures based on the polymer used in the plastic.
Rules for the Management of Plastic Waste
- The 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules were published on March 18, 2016. These regulations cover the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of carry bags, plastic sheets, and multilayered packaging, among other things.
- For the first time, garbage makers have been held accountable. Individual and bulk generators, such as offices, commercial entities, and factories, are required to segregate plastic garbage at the source, give over segregated waste, and pay user fees in accordance with local government bylaws.
- Extended Producers Responsibility places the responsibility for the treatment, recycling, reuse, or disposal of products after they have been used and discarded on the producers.
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