India recycles only 30% of 3.4 MT plastic waste generated annually
According to a recently released report, India generates 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, but only 30% is recycled.
- The above findings come out in a report titled ‘Innovation in Plastics, The Potential and Possibilities’ by Marico Innovation Foundation.
- This report has been prepared in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science and Praxis Global Alliance.
- This report examines the plastic waste management ecosystem in India. Through this test, the challenges and opportunities in this sector are identified. Also, the report places a special focus on business and technology innovations.
Key findings of report-
- India produces 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste in a year. Of this, only 30 per cent is recycled. The remaining plastic waste is dumped in landfill sites or water bodies.
- Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu together contribute 38 percent of the total plastic waste generated in India.
- 94% of recycled plastic waste in India is shredded into fine pieces using mechanical recycling methods.
Impact of plastic waste:
- Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane are emitted;
- The entire food chain gets contaminated due to the presence of microplastics;
- There is a danger to animals, especially marine species, etc.
Recommendations-
- Landfills and waste incineration should be taxed in India to encourage recycling.
- A ‘pay-as-you-throw’ system should be implemented. Under this, citizens pay per kilogram for bags of mixed waste.
- The entire use life of plastic bags, from production and import to disposal, should be regulated.
Initiatives for Plastic Waste Management (PWM)-
- The use of Single Use Plastic (SUP) products has been banned from July 2022 under the PWM Amendment Rules, 2021.
- Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on plastic packaging have been issued.
- National Dashboard has been launched for the elimination of single use plastic.
Source – Business Standard
