Indian Updates: Country generates over 15000 tonne plastic waster per day (7 Jun 2013)

Country generates over 15000 tonne plastic waster per day

Manjiri Damle, TNN | Jun 7, 2013, 10.51 PM IST


PUNE: The total quantum of plastic waste generated in the country is estimated to be about 15,342.46 tonne per day. The total plastic waste, which is collected and recycled in the country, is estimated to be about 9205 tonne per day and about 6137 tonne per day of plastic waste remains uncollected.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has carried out a study through Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Ahmadabad on "Assessment and Quantification of Plastic Waste in 60 Cities".

According to the study plastic waste has also resulted in other problems like choking of drains by plastic carry bags which may lead to unhygienic environment and water borne diseases. Plastic waste can cause illness and possible death of animals that may feed on plastics from garbage bins. Non-biodegradable and impervious nature of plastics disposed on soil may arrest recharge of ground water aquifers. The study adds that presence of additives and plasticizers, fillers, flame retardants and pigments used in the plastic products which have potential to cause adverse health impact and ground water pollution.

The ministry of environment and forests has notified the Plastic (Waste Management and Handling) Rules, 2011. These rules, interalia, specify that plastic carry bags should have a minimum thickness of 40 microns; food stuffs cannot be packed in recycled plastics or compostable plastics; no carry bags shall be made available free of cost to consumers; and plastic material, in any form shall not be used in any package for packing gutkha, pan masala and tobacco in all forms.

Source: 
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Country-generates-over-15000-tonne-plastic-waster-per-day/articleshow/20483329.cms