1 ACTION POINTS FOR PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS & PETROCHEMICALS MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, NEW DELHI –

The thickness standards of carry bags and packaging films needs to be increased from current level of 40 microns to 60 or 80 microns to give attractive economic value to promote its effective collection. 2

The multi-layer metalized flexible packaging material is a technology innovation and cost effective for food industry but it causes problem for recycling because it has no economic value and volume at present. Due to its heterogeneous nature / composite structure, it is not easily recyclable. Hence, metalized packaging materials need to be banned. 3

To provide opacity, impact strength and antistatic properties to the plastic films, fillers are loaded. In case of plastic woven sacks there is a BIS Standard indicating maximum level of filler (ash content). There is no regulation of filler content in other plastics. This restricts the recycling options and collection becomes unviable. Strict regulation to be prescribed. 4

Polyethylene (PE) / Polypropylene (PP) / Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) rigid packaging of food products including disposable needs to be mandatory. Use of clean thin films in food packaging needs to be banned. 5

This regulatory framework (1 to 4 above) for manufacturing and use of plastics to be imposed not only for the local manufacturing but also for imports. 6

The above mentioned regulatory frame work (1 to 4 above) needs to be imposed not only in manufacturing units, but also on plastic packaging material users, distributors, service providers and other supply chain vendors in their registration / approvals, power connections, pollution control approvals, etc. 7

Littered plastics are collected by rag pickers, scavengers, sanitary and conservancy workers. Skill sets for segregation, recycling of used plastic need to be imparted to them free of cost. Loans with subsidy need to be made available to them to procure recycling machinery (Rs.2 to 3 lakhs). Local bodies need hand-holding them by permitting them to recycle in dumping yards etc. to promote spot collections, segregation and recycling. 8

At present, domestic recycling industry is unorganized, unrecognized and working in unhygienic, unscientific and unsafe manner while rendering scavenging service to the society. They need to be organized, recognized and trained for better and safe practices. 9

To reduce littering, awareness needs to be created through education and the issues may be incorporated in curriculum. The general public should be sensitized through media campaigns on TV for creating social awareness and ‘Do Not Litter’ messages need to be prominently advertized in media. 10

Thank You 11