Plastic Waste Management in India
Context:
- The Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) commenced at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan. Key dignitaries included Chief Guest Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and Guest of Honor Smt. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Notable attendees also included industry leaders such as Shri Manish Dedhia (AIPMA President), Shri Kamal Nanavati (CPMA President), and other eminent personalities from related sectors.
Common Sources of Plastic Pollution:
- Merchant ships discharge various wastes including plastic-based cargo, sewage, and medical equipment into oceans.
- Discarded fishing gear constitutes the largest ocean-based source of plastic pollution.
- Continental plastic litter, such as food wrappers, containers, bottles, and bags, enters oceans primarily through storm-water runoff.
Types of Plastic Waste:
Microplastics:
- Small plastic particles (<5 mm), including microbeads used in cosmetics, industrial scrubbers, and microfibers from textiles.
Single-Use Plastic:
- Disposable materials like bags, bottles, straws, and food packaging. India has committed to eliminate single-use plastics by 2022.
Extent of Plastic Waste:
Global Scenario:
- Over 3 billion tonnes of plastic produced since 1950, with 60% ending up in landfills or natural environments.
- Only 9% recycled, 12% incinerated, and the rest accumulating in landfills or the environment.
Plastic Waste in India:
- India generates approximately 26,000 tonnes of plastic daily, with over 10,000 tonnes remaining uncollected.
- The plastic processing industry is expected to grow to 22 million tonnes annually by 2020, with a significant portion being single-use plastic.
- Per capita plastic consumption in India is less than 11 kg, significantly lower than many developed countries.
Impact of Plastic Waste:
Economic Losses:
- Plastic waste impacts tourism revenue, particularly evident in regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Implications for Animals:
- Marine life faces ingestion and entanglement risks, leading to mortality and ecosystem disruption.
Implications for Human Health:
- Chemicals leached from plastics pose health risks, affecting endocrine systems and potentially causing genetic disorders.
Environmental Impacts:
- Land, air, and water pollution from plastic waste affect habitats, water quality, and contribute to invasive species transport.
Challenges:
Mismanaged Plastic Waste:
- Inadequate management leads to widespread pollution, including the formation of oceanic garbage patches.
Spurious Biodegradable Plastics:
- Lack of rigorous testing allows fake biodegradable products to enter the market.
Impact of E-Commerce:
- Online retail and food delivery services contribute to increasing plastic waste in urban areas.
Solutions: Plastic Waste Management
Reduce:
- Support policies like plastic bag taxes and restrain on manufacturing, promote alternatives like biodegradable plastics.
Reuse:
- Encourage the reuse of plastics to reduce demand for new products.
Recycle:
- Promote plastic recycling to generate economic benefits, create employment, and reduce environmental impact.
Conclusion:
- Effective management of plastic waste is crucial to mitigate its detrimental effects on ecosystems, human health, and the economy. India’s commitment to eliminating single-use plastics by 2022 and promoting recycling initiatives marks significant steps toward sustainable plastic waste management.
