EnviroXchange - Article Detail

PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

Company Name : Generic

Abstract

Plastic waste is recycled in India in an “unorganized” way. 60% of the plastic-waste collected and segregated gets recycled back into materials for further processing into consumer products, while the balance is left unutilized. Regulations and legislations are being enforced in two States of India viz. Haryana and Himachal pradesh, while a National Plastic Waste Management Council Task Force has been set up by the Government of India, Ministry of Environment of Forests, with the association of Department of Petroleum and Chemicals, Ministry of Urban Affairs, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and various groups/associations of plastic manufacturers. Scope is there for the recycling/management of plastic waste, as an \'organised activity’ in India.

Introduction

Municipal solid waste in India contain 1-4 per cent by weight of plastic waste. India’s rate of recycling of plastic waste is the highest (60%) in the world as compared to other countries (China 10%, Europe 7%, Japan 12%, South Africa 16%, USA 10%). As a source of hazard to environment, plastic account for 16% of chlorine in the environment and have 54 carcinogens, polythene bags for disposal if burnt irresponsibly releases highly toxic gases like phosgene, carbon monoxide, chlorine, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, besides deadly dioxin.

Polymers are gradually replacing natural materials like metal, timber and fibres and thereby conserving the natural environment. Polymers are now finding diversified uses through blends and alloys and giving higher standards of performance and life cycles to various products.

Plastics waste forms a wide range. Predominantly it is film packaging and polythene carry bags, followed by blow moulded containers, and broken and discarded moulded items. The range is wide and includes –

- discarded PVC chappals/shoes in varied colors and grades of plastics material.

- discarded PVC mineral water bottles/PET mineral water and liquor bottles and PS icecream/cold drink cups/disposable catering plates and grays and expanded PS and PE foam packagings.

- PE, PVC, PP films, packages, shopping bags, and medicine foils, used and discarded moulded items like containers and range of household non-durables, combs, ball point pens, tooth brushes etc.

- Broken plastics articles - mostly of PE, PVC, PS, PP, ABS, Nylon, PET, etc.