Plastic Waste in India

by

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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Abstract

The rapid rate of urbanisation in India has directed to increasing plastic waste generation. This increase has resulted in a large amount of plastic waste, particularly plastic bags and PET bottles, being littered on the landscape of India. In this context, research has been conveyed out to assist to the development of effective policy approaches on plastic waste in India. Few policies have been enforced by the government to address the acute problem of littering in the country. These policies on plastic waste have been analysed with particular reference to Mumbai as a case study. The strengths, weakness and missing links of the existing policies were identified. The analysis has disclosed that the existing policies on plastic waste have not been adept to address the topic of littering, primarily because these have not tried to provide a long-term solution to the problem. In the case of PET the need of legislation to manage the increasing utilisation has been recognised as the key problem. Based on the analysis a few policy recommendations have been made that could assist decision-makers in their efforts to develop a comprehensive plan of action for plastic waste management.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION6

Background of the Study6

Aims and Objectives8

Research Questions8

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW9

Objectives of Sustainable Waste Policies9

Characteristics of Sustainable Environmental Policies14

Environmental effectiveness15

Cost efficiency16

Equity17

Administrative feasibility18

Framework for Policy evaluation20

Analysis of the Existing Policies23

Polybags23

Specifications of the Recycled Plastic Manufacture and Usage Rule25

Discouraging coloured Recycled Plastic bags for Packaging Food Items26

Recycled and Virgin Coloured Bags Allowed for Non-food Applications27

Recycling to be carried out according to Guidelines28

Mumbai experience with the Recycling Rule28

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY33

Research Design33

Research Literature33

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS35

Recycling Rule replete with flaws36

CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY39

Plastic Waste Management Task Force39

The Guidelines for Plastics Packaging and Packaging Waste in India40

Guidelines for Recycling of Plastics41

National Law on Polybag42

Recycled Plastic Manufacture and Usage Rule42

State specific initiatives43

Ecomark Proposed Scheme on Labelling of Environment Friendly Products - Plastics44

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE RESEARCH46

Conclusions46

Future research48

REFERENCES49

APPENDIX56

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background of the Study

Increasing amounts of plastic waste are being generated following the rapid rate of urbanisation in India. Today, there is a staggering demand for plastic products with the increasing affluence and public embracement of western consumerism. However, this expansion of plastic production and consumption is having a important influence both visibly and invisibly on the environment and society in India (Banerjee, 2000, pp:25).

The problems with plastic waste may appear surprising in a country where traditional materials fulfilling the current role of plastics have existed. The winning factor for plastics is its purposeful superiority (convenience) and cost effectiveness. By sheer finances of scale, plastics ...