India Recycles Only 30% Of 3.4 Mt Plastic Waste Generated Annually: Report

Why in news?

• Report titled ‘Innovation in Plastics, The Potential and Possibilities’ was released by Marico Innovation Foundation and developed in association with Indian Institute of Science and Praxis Global Alliance.
• It examines plastic waste management ecosystem in India to identify 2022, challenges and opportunities with special emphasis on business and technological innovations.

Key findings of report

• India produces 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste in a year, only 30 percent of it is recycled. Rest of plastic waste is sent to landfills or aquatic dumps.
• Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu together contribute 38 percent to total plastic waste generated in India.
• 94% of recycled plastic waste is shredded in India using mechanical recycling method.
• Impact of plastic waste: Greenhouse gas emissions i.e., carbon dioxide, methane; Contamination of entire food chain due to presence of micro plastics; Threats to animals especially marine species etc.
• Recommendations
  • Landfill and incineration taxes must be levied in India to encourage recycling.
  • Authorise pay-as-you-throw system, which requires citizens to pay a variable rate per kilogram for a bag of mixed garbage.
  • Regulate entire life cycle of plastic bags from manufacturing, imports to disposal.

Initiatives for Plastic Waste Management (PWM)

• PWM Amendment rules 2021 banned use of single use plastic(SUP) from July 2022
• Guidelines on Extended producer responsibility on plastic packaging
• National dashboard on elimination of SUP