Ban on Single Use Plastic Material From 1stJuly, 2022

Ban on Single Use Plastic Material From 1stJuly, 2022

Executive Summary:

This article describes:

• • • List of plastic items which have been banned from 1stJuly, 2022
    • Alternatives that can be used for banned items
    • Impact of non-compliances

Introduction:

Single-use plastics have increased pollution, which is now an important environmental challenge for all the nations. India has decided to take strict action to reduce the pollution caused on by single-use plastic. The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastic mentioned below, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities have been prohibited from 1stJuly, 2022.The use of plastic material in packs for the storage, packaging, or sale of gutkha, tobacco, and pan masala is completely prohibited by the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The Plastic Waste Management (Amended) Rules, 2021 bans the production, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic that are less than 75 microns, as compared to the 50 microns that were previously advised under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

Given below is a list of single used plastic items which have been banned from 1stJuly, 2022:

• Cutlery items:

• Plates
• Cups
• Glasses
• Forks
• Spoons
• Spoons
• Trays

• Plastic Sticks:

• Earbuds
• Balloons
• Candy
• Ice- creams

• Wrapping or Packing Films:

• Sweet boxes
• Invitation cards
• Cigarette packets

• Other items:

• PVC banners less than 100 microns
• Thermocolfor decoration

What is an alternative for banned items?

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has advised consumers to use eco-friendly substitutes for plastics like:

• Cotton bags
When washed, clothing made of sustainable materials like organic cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo won’t shed plastic fibres. Plastic bags can be replaced with natural cloths.

• Bamboo
Plastic can be replaced with this renewable resource in products like tableware and drinking straws. It is reusable and lightweight.

• Other Ceramics and Pottery
For food storage and tableware, pottery and other fired ceramics include a stable, waterproof option.

• Wooden items:
Plastic can be replaced with wood from sustainably managed forests in everyday home items like cutting boards, kitchen utensils, and cleaning brushes.

Consequence from non-compliances:

There will be a spot fine for the use and littering of single-use plastic items between Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 5,000 for institutional waste generators.

Conclusion:

Single use plastic items having low utility and high littering potential have been banned from 1stJuly, 2022 which includes items such as plastic sticks, cutlery items, packing or wrapping films etc. and alternatively we can encourage the use of bags made from cotton, bamboo, wooden material to curb the environmental pollution caused due to usage of plastic carry bags.