Single use plastic items are used once and thrown away, but they can stay in the environment for hundreds of years, clogging drains, harming animals and polluting rivers and seas. India has banned many such items. Here is what you need to know.
The ban
Under the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of identified single use plastic items has been banned across India from 1 July 2022.
Banned items
- Ear buds with plastic sticks
- Plastic sticks for balloons
- Plastic flags
- Candy sticks and ice cream sticks
- Polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration
- Plastic plates, cups and glasses
- Plastic cutlery such as forks, spoons and knives
- Straws and stirrers
- Trays
- Wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards and cigarette packets
- Plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns thick
Carry bag rules
The thickness of plastic carry bags was raised in stages. Since 31 December 2022, plastic carry bags of less than 120 microns are not allowed. Thicker bags can be reused many times, which reduces waste.
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Who enforces it
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards and local bodies enforce the ban. They can inspect shops and units and impose penalties under the Environment Protection Act.
How to report
You can report sale or use of banned single use plastic through the SUP-CPCB grievance app, or to your local municipal body or pollution control board. Add a photo and location to help officials act.
Extended Producer Responsibility
Companies that make or use plastic packaging must collect and recycle it under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, which the government has notified for plastic packaging.
Simple ways to cut plastic
- Carry a cloth or jute bag when shopping.
- Use steel or glass bottles instead of disposable bottles.
- Say no to straws and disposable cutlery when ordering food.
- Use steel plates and cups for functions.
- Segregate waste at home into wet and dry, so plastic can be recycled.
Alternatives
Many alternatives are now available, such as cloth and paper bags, leaf plates, bamboo and wooden cutlery and steel straws. The government has promoted such alternatives through campaigns and support to small businesses.
Bottom line
Many single use plastic items are banned in India. Carry your own bag and bottle, avoid disposables and report violations to help keep your city clean.
Source / स्रोत: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board
