Life in plastic: on waste management framework

Life in plastic: on waste management framework

Article:

1. The article discusses the issues with the waste management framework in India

Important Analysis:

2. Waste management legislation in India: Solid Waste Management Rules and Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
3. Issues:

• Poor implementation by state governments
• Not much concern among producers of plastic articles
• Around 60% of total 25000 tonnes of plastic waste generated each day is collected. Nearly 10000 tonnes thus released to the environment; majority flows to water bodies.
• Collected plastic not scientifically processed; collection, segregation and transfer not done properly
• Micro-plastic pollution which even pollutes drinking water
• Not much achieved in regulating usage of single-use plastics. E.g.: carry bags, cutlery
• Fraudulent products entering markets; Example: compostable bags – According Plastic Waste Management rules, manufactures of compostable bags need to get a certificate from Central Pollution Control Board

4. Impact of plastic pollution:

• Marine pollution; Threatens marine life
• Note: The Ganga-Bramhaputra- Meghna River System features on UN map of 10 rivers worldwide that carry a bulk of plastic waste to oceans
• Health hazard for people

5. Voluntary efforts:

• Individuals, communities have taken initiatives to segregate waste, compost at home and run awareness programmes across social media platforms

6. Suggestions:

• Reform in the waste management framework
• Anti-pollution rules should be effectively implemented