Where does India stand on plastic waste?
5 years, 6 months ago

Where does India stand on plastic waste?

The Hindu  

The story so far: On August 15, in his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a movement to eliminate single-use plastic in India, beginning on Gandhi Jayanti. In spite of the notification of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and amendments made two years later, most cities and towns are not prepared to implement its provisions. Even the biggest Municipal Corporations shouldering a staggering waste burden have failed to implement segregation of waste: collecting recyclable plastic, non-recyclable plastic and other waste separately for processing by material recovery facilities. Some biodegradable packaging materials require specific microorganisms to be broken down, while compostable cups and plates made of polylactic acid, a popular resource derived from biomass such as corn starch, require industrial composters. A movement against plastic waste would have to prioritise the reduction of single-use plastic such as multi-layer packaging, bread bags, food wrap, and protective packaging.

India Packaging Recycling Waste Plastic Plastic Waste Compostable Corn Starch  stand  materials  does  compostable  packaging  waste  industry  biodegradable  singleuse  india  plastic  recycling

History of this topic

HC expresses concern over proliferation of plastic bottles in Kerala
2 weeks, 4 days ago

HC expresses concern over proliferation of plastic bottles in Kerala

The Hindu  

Highlighting the dangers posed by proliferation of plastic bottles, the Kerala High Court orally stated that plastic water bottles must be avoided at marriage functions across the State. The court observed that small plastic water bottles were causing significant environmental damage and hastened to add that plastic materials must be avoided at all official functions. It has also been observed …

How to save Delhi from turning waste capital? Indore says...
2 weeks, 6 days ago

How to save Delhi from turning waste capital? Indore says...

India Today  

India has 42 of the 50 most polluted cities in the worlda stark failure of municipal governance, India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant has said at the Anil Agarwal Dialogue 2025, an event organised by the Centre for Science and Environment in Rajasthan. “Segregation is the single-biggest factor that can save Delhi or any other city from turning into a dump-yard,” …

Waste segregation at source of vital importance: SC
1 month ago

Waste segregation at source of vital importance: SC

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said segregation of waste at source was of “vital importance” for the environment. How the cities can become smart without compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules?” The apex court directed the NCR states for compliance in line with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Noting that the non-compliance in adhering to the …

Engagement, enforcement required to transform waste management and sustainability
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Engagement, enforcement required to transform waste management and sustainability

India Today  

At the India Today Environment Conclave 2025, held in Bengaluru, Harsha Tej, director of GreenGarage, and Padmashree Balaram, a solid waste management practitioner and climate actioneer, shared their insights on waste management, sustainability, and policy interventions. Conducting awareness programs in schools created a ripple effect.” “When children are told about landfill sites, and how other kids living in those areas …

Revolutionising India’s packaging industry
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Revolutionising India’s packaging industry

Hindustan Times  

The Indian packaging industry plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demands of key sectors such as FMCG, food and food processing, consumer care, chemicals and fertilisers and pharmaceuticals, among others, by ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency, while adopting innovative solutions for environmental sustainability. Enhanced budgetary allocation for Urban Local Bodies to invest in Municipal Solid Waste segregation plants …

Chandigarh start-up launches unique plastic recycling technology in Bengaluru
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Chandigarh start-up launches unique plastic recycling technology in Bengaluru

The Hindu  

PolyCycl, a circular economy technology start-up based in Chandigarh, today announced the launch of its patented technology that enables conversion of hard-to-recycle plastics into food grade polymers, renewable chemicals and sustainable fuels. “India generates over 10.2 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with more than 40% of this being single-use plastics like grocery bags and flexible packaging. “PolyCycl’s technology offers …

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to launch year-long plastic waste collection drive across State
2 months ago

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to launch year-long plastic waste collection drive across State

The Hindu  

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board is launching a year-long plastic waste collection drive. Municipal workers, volunteers, students, and local non-governmental organisations would help collect plastic waste and raise awareness of its harmful effects. As part of the drive, a baseline study on plastic usage has been planned, according to a government order issued by the Principal Secretary to the …

What is ‘waste colonialism’ and why has Thailand banned imports of plastic?
2 months, 1 week ago

What is ‘waste colonialism’ and why has Thailand banned imports of plastic?

Al Jazeera  

China had taken in nearly half of the world’s plastic waste since 1992 until it imposed an import ban in 2018, shifting the market significantly. Here’s what you need to know about the ban, global plastic waste imports, and their impact on the environment and health. China was previously the biggest market for household waste and had taken nearly half …

Indisposable disposable
Trending News
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Indisposable disposable

China Daily  

Excessive production and consumption, and inadequate waste management, have turned plastic pollution into a pressing global environmental crisis Plastic has become an indispensable material. As a leading economy in global plastic production, consumption and trade, China plays a pivotal role in addressing global plastic pollution. In 2020, China issued the Opinions on Further Strengthening Plastic Pollution Control, which set a …

Indisposable disposable
Trending News
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Indisposable disposable

China Daily  

ZHANG TING/FOR CHINA DAILY Excessive production and consumption, and inadequate waste management, have turned plastic pollution into a pressing global environmental crisis Plastic has become an indispensable material. As a leading economy in global plastic production, consumption and trade, China plays a pivotal role in addressing global plastic pollution. In 2020, China issued the Opinions on Further Strengthening Plastic Pollution …

Minister Seeks Support for Plastic Eradication
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Minister Seeks Support for Plastic Eradication

Deccan Chronicle  

Kurnool: Roads and buildings and investments minister B.C. On Saturday, a rally titled "My Banaganapalle - My Health" was organised from the minister's camp office in Banaganapalle to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic. Indiramma, along with Nandyal Collector G. Rajakumari, SP Adhiraj Singh Rana, students, youth, activists, and local leaders, saw wide participation. Minister Janardhan Reddy highlighted …

How to tackle plastic pollution and reduce plastic waste
3 months, 1 week ago

How to tackle plastic pollution and reduce plastic waste

India Today  

Plastic pollution is one of the most significant environmental problems our world is facing today. By making small efforts in our daily lives, everyone can contribute significantly to reducing plastic waste. SMALL ACTIONS TO TACKLE PLASTIC POLLUTION Reduce the use of straws, plastic cutlery, and bottled water. This small habit encourages responsible waste management and when consistently followed, this habit …

New rules proposed on packaging waste management, set to take effect in 2026
3 months, 2 weeks ago

New rules proposed on packaging waste management, set to take effect in 2026

India Today  

In a significant step to revolutionise packaging waste management, the Environment Ministry has introduced the draft of Environment Protection Rules, 2024. The proposed regulations focus on Extended Producer Responsibility, requiring producers, importers, and brand owners to oversee the entire lifecycle of packaging materials, including paper, glass, metal, and sanitary products. The rules drafted urge people to use recycled materials and …

Global plastic pollution conference INC-5 ends with major disagreements between nations
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Global plastic pollution conference INC-5 ends with major disagreements between nations

Live Mint  

New Delhi: The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution concluded on Sunday with major disagreements over several issues, including curbing plastic products and chemicals of concern, managing the supply of primary polymers, and a financial mechanism to help developing countries implement the treaty. On Sunday, India’s ministry of environment, forest and climate change issued a statement …

Plastic treaty talks fail over disagreement on production cuts
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Plastic treaty talks fail over disagreement on production cuts

The Hindu  

Delegates from nearly 170 countries who gathered in Busan, South Korea, failed to agree on a framework agreement to eliminate plastic pollution, despite a week of negotiations. “We share the unhappiness we feel in this room with the limited amount of progress that we were able to make,” said Hugo Schally, who spoke on behalf of the European Union at …

What to know about the plastic pollution crisis as treaty talks conclude in South Korea
3 months, 3 weeks ago

What to know about the plastic pollution crisis as treaty talks conclude in South Korea

Associated Press  

BUSAN, South Korea — The world’s nations will wrap up negotiating a treaty this weekend to address the global plastic pollution crisis. Their meeting concludes Sunday or early Monday in Busan, South Korea, where many environmental organizations have also flocked to push for a treaty to address the volume of production and toxic chemicals used in plastic products. Greenpeace said …

Millions of tons of plastic foul the world around us
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Millions of tons of plastic foul the world around us

Associated Press  

On a Philippines beach, barefoot children jumped and played on shoals of plastic washed ashore in previous typhoons. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print People store various waste materials in plastic sacks for sorting out in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn …

‘Once in a lifetime’ chance to end plastic pollution as nations assemble in Busan
3 months, 3 weeks ago

‘Once in a lifetime’ chance to end plastic pollution as nations assemble in Busan

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Environment activists stage a rally calling for a strong global plastics treaty ahead of the …

Why is a global treaty on plastic pollution dividing the world?
Trending News
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Why is a global treaty on plastic pollution dividing the world?

LA Times  

Garbage, mostly plastic, collected en route to Mt. Even before the meeting began Monday, South Korean Environment Minister Kim Wan-sup was trying to dial back expectations, telling reporters: “I believe it may be more realistic to pursue stepwise measures.” Here is what you need to know about the problem and the efforts to solve it: How bad is the world’s …

India suggests funding proposal for plastic phase-out
3 months, 3 weeks ago

India suggests funding proposal for plastic phase-out

Hindustan Times  

India has circulated a proposal for the financial arrangement to implement a global legally binding instrument on phasing out plastic pollution, currently being negotiated in South Korea’s Busan where the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment is being held. India’s proposal suggests that parties …

'Seize Plastic Items Having Less Than 120 Micron Width', Meghalaya HC Issues Directions To Govt Until Plastic Substitutes Are Developed
4 months ago

'Seize Plastic Items Having Less Than 120 Micron Width', Meghalaya HC Issues Directions To Govt Until Plastic Substitutes Are Developed

Live Law  

While hearing a Public Interest Litigation seeking a complete ban on single-use plastic in the State, the Meghalaya High Court issued directions to the State Government to be followed until plastic substitutes are fully developed and implemented in the market. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh directed the State Government to follow the following policy: " to issue administrative orders or …

Tackling food waste: Transforming a global issue into valuable opportunities
4 months, 1 week ago

Tackling food waste: Transforming a global issue into valuable opportunities

India Today  

In a world where millions still suffer from food insecurity, the staggering volume of food wasted annually is a crisis of monumental proportions. Addressing food waste is therefore an urgent priority, and recent advancements show promise in converting food waste into value-added products, creating a sustainable path forward. Agricultural Waste in Focus: India's Opportunity: India, as one of the world's …

THE DUCHESS OF YORK: I'm on a mission to rid nappies of plastic
4 months, 2 weeks ago

THE DUCHESS OF YORK: I'm on a mission to rid nappies of plastic

Daily Mail  

In a few months I’m going to become a grandmother for the fifth time. Every minute, more than 380,000 nappies are thrown away around the world, and the World Economic Forum says that it is producing nearly 40 million tons of waste each year. The Duchess of York pictured with daughter Princess Beatrice and granddaughter Sienna Princess Beatrice of York, …

Dharmveer Dairu: Son of the soil
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Dharmveer Dairu: Son of the soil

New Indian Express  

PUNJAB : Located between the Ravi and Beas rivers, the small city of Pathankot in Punjab was home to a tree plantation drive aimed at restoring the ecological balance that had been disrupted by extensive mining and deforestation. It was at this juncture then that a young Indian Forest Service officer Dharmveer Dairu was posted as Divisional Forest Officer of …

Plastic Pollution in Telangana: A Mountain of Waste, a Growing Problem
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Plastic Pollution in Telangana: A Mountain of Waste, a Growing Problem

Deccan Chronicle  

Telangana has accumulated over two million tonnes of plastic waste since 2018, with a growth rate of 29.52 per cent in plastic waste generation. The traditional paper cups at tea stalls are not all paper for they are coated with plastic. The government needs to step in and regulate plastic use more strictly and compel companies to find sustainable packaging …

Plastic piles up at pilgrimage site, residents urge HR, CE to take action in Dharmapuri
5 months ago

Plastic piles up at pilgrimage site, residents urge HR, CE to take action in Dharmapuri

New Indian Express  

DHARMAPURI: Over the past few years, the key pilgrimage site of Theerthamalai temple have witnessed an increasing footfall of tourists and devotees, which has resulted in plastic waste piling up in the hilly forest region in Harur taluk of Dharmapuri. They also voiced concerns that the accumulating plastic could affect animals in the area and alleged that there are very …

Holistic Approach to India's Plastic Waste Concerns: A Call for Collective Action
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Holistic Approach to India's Plastic Waste Concerns: A Call for Collective Action

Hindustan Times  

The article highlights the global plastic waste crisis and the need for sustainable consumption and resource management. It emphasizes the importance of implementing holistic solutions that involve urban local bodies, governments, and stakeholders to achieve a clean and sustainable future. The article outlines specific measures such as improved waste collection, recycling, and technology to address the issue. It also stresses …

How does Chennai handle its dry waste
6 months ago

How does Chennai handle its dry waste

The Hindu  

The necessity of source segregation We insist on three things before getting into an MoU with a residents association — basic three-way segregation, on-time payment and one-year contract. Instead they pay us a monthly fee ranging from ₹ 15,000 to ₹30,000 which depends on the size of the community, amount of waste collected and proximity to dry waste facility. Only …

India’s plastic crisis: The hidden emissions choking the country
6 months, 1 week ago

India’s plastic crisis: The hidden emissions choking the country

Hindustan Times  

Despite ongoing efforts to curb plastic waste, India’s struggle with uncollected trash, especially plastic, and rampant open burning is driving an environmental crisis of unprecedented scale. The study highlights the scale of the global plastic crisis spotlighting India among other countries, with significant emissions driven by uncollected waste and open burning, practices prevalent across many developing nations. India’s plastic emissions …

Plastic waste largely choked drainage flow in 32 wards in Vijayawada
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Plastic waste largely choked drainage flow in 32 wards in Vijayawada

New Indian Express  

VIJAYAWADA: While torrential rains, water hyacinths, and encroachments on water bodies and canals contributed to the crisis, the unchecked accumulation of plastic waste in the city’s drainage systems emerged as a major culprit, blocking water flow in 32 wards of the city. Sanitation workers clearing floodwaters reported that plastic waste, along with bottles, discarded mattresses, and wood debris, clogged the …

India, not China, is world’s largest plastic emitter, study reports in Nature journal
6 months, 2 weeks ago

India, not China, is world’s largest plastic emitter, study reports in Nature journal

The Hindu  

New research published in the journal Nature has said that India is responsible for around one-fifth of global plastic emissions of around 9.3 million metric tonnes per year. “Previous studies highlighted China as a high plastic polluter because they used much older data on the country’s waste management” researcher and study co-author Ed Cook told The Hindu. Around 69%, or …

India emerges as the largest plastic polluter globally
6 months, 2 weeks ago

India emerges as the largest plastic polluter globally

Hindustan Times  

A new study by the University of Leeds, published in Nature Journal, revealed India as the biggest contributor to plastic pollution. The annual, global plastic waste is enough to fill New York City’s Central Park and pile up as high as 157 Empire State Building. India- the biggest polluter India topped the list, producing 9.3 million tons of plastic waste, …

World pumps out 57 million tons of plastic pollution yearly and most comes in Global South
6 months, 3 weeks ago

World pumps out 57 million tons of plastic pollution yearly and most comes in Global South

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The world creates 57 million …

Startup Mantra: Transforming waste to save environment
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Startup Mantra: Transforming waste to save environment

Hindustan Times  

While almost everyone will berate the use of plastic and how it damages the environment, not many will get down to doing something about it. But for Medha Tadpatrikar and Shirish Phadtare, founders of Rudra Blue Planet Environmental Solutions India Limited, who while on a safari holiday, found a deer that died because it had ingested plastic bags, the problem …

The Cure for Disposable Plastic Crap Is Here—and It’s Loony
7 months, 3 weeks ago

The Cure for Disposable Plastic Crap Is Here—and It’s Loony

Wired  

A plastic bag might be the most overengineered object in history. Some years back, I stopped by a French deli to buy some big chunks of cheese and carried them home in a plastic bag. There’s plastic in grocery bags, obviously, but also in yoga pants and car tires and building materials and toys and medical products. A significant chunk …

Plastic mess: On India’s waste problem
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Plastic mess: On India’s waste problem

The Hindu  

India, like other large economies, faces a significant plastic waste problem. According to a 2020-21 report by the Central Pollution Control Board, four million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually. Recyclers, who have networks to collect plastic waste, recycle the waste and receive validated certificates for each tonne recycled. Addressing the root causes of plastic waste and enhancing the …

Solid waste management in Delhi in a ‘sorry state’: Supreme Court
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Solid waste management in Delhi in a ‘sorry state’: Supreme Court

The Hindu  

The Supreme Court on July 26 said solid waste management in Delhi is in a “sorry state” and may lead to a public health emergency. The court agreed with amicus curiae, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, that such a situation in Delhi may lead to an emergency as generation of solid waste daily was more than 11,000 metric tonnes and processing …

Companies like Nestle and Unilever modify plastic recycling goals due to implementation difficulties: Report
8 months, 1 week ago

Companies like Nestle and Unilever modify plastic recycling goals due to implementation difficulties: Report

Hindustan Times  

Nestle S.A. changed the wording of its plastic packaging goals in 2022, changing it to “designed for” recycling when earlier, it used to be “recyclable” or reusable packaging, Bloomberg reported. Plastic waste often ends up in water bodies, causing massive harm to animal and human health. The legal difference between these amount to about 280,000 metric tons of additional non-recyclable …

Will alternatives to plastic bags step up the fight against waste?
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Will alternatives to plastic bags step up the fight against waste?

The Hindu  

The switch to the alternatives to the banned plastic products has yielded mixed results in Tamil Nadu. A shopkeeper at Parry’s Corner says, “We have shifted from selling plastic items to printing invitation cards, selling greeting cards and paper and cloth bags since the Tamil Nadu government banned the single-use plastic. But, on Anderson Street, you will still find many …

Creating a throw-away culture: How companies ingrained plastics in modern life
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Creating a throw-away culture: How companies ingrained plastics in modern life

NPR  

Creating a throw-away culture: How companies ingrained plastics in modern life toggle caption Jacquelyn Martin/AP Just for a minute, think about how much of the plastic you use today will end up as trash. “But there’s a growing agreement,” she said, that a lot of single-use plastic “can probably go.” toggle caption Matt Cardy/Getty Images/Getty Images Europe The plastics industry …

Remoulding the Global Plastics Treaty
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Remoulding the Global Plastics Treaty

The Hindu  

As discussions still continue for an international legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, it becomes crucial to consider how it can support a fair transition for individuals who collect and recycle waste informally. Editorial | Plastic solution: Beyond the Global Plastics Treaty These workers collect, sort and recover recyclable and reusable materials from general waste, alleviating municipal budgets of financial …

The science of untreated solid waste
10 months, 1 week ago

The science of untreated solid waste

Hindustan Times  

On Monday, the Supreme Court raised alarm bells about Delhi’s solid waste crisis. The definition of ‘solid waste’ differs from place to place, Shyamala Mani, an expert in waste management, currently an advisor at the Centre for Chronic Disease Control and Public Health Foundation of India, clarifies that in India, this usually refers to non-liquid waste generated from households and …

Delhi’s mounting waste crisis | Explained
10 months, 1 week ago

Delhi’s mounting waste crisis | Explained

The Hindu  

The story so far: The Supreme Court’s recent criticism of solid waste management in New Delhi highlights a critical issue. Public awareness of proper waste management practices is also lacking, contributing to littering and improper disposal habits, which divert the MCD’s attention towards clearing open points rather than processing wet waste. With this in mind, the MCD should design a …

Plastic solution: Beyond the Global Plastics Treaty
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Plastic solution: Beyond the Global Plastics Treaty

The Hindu  

The Global Plastics Treaty, an ambitious initiative involving at least 175 United Nations member nations to eliminate the use of plastics, concluded its fourth round of negotiations recently. The goal is to finalise a legal document by the end of 2024 with timelines by when countries must agree to curb plastic production, eliminate its uses that create wastage, ban certain …

Plastic pollution: India favours consensus agreements instead of legal obligation
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Plastic pollution: India favours consensus agreements instead of legal obligation

New Indian Express  

NEW DELHI: The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including the marine environment, ended without any tangible agreement in Ottawa, Canada. However, the INC-4 agreed to form two intersessional groups which will come up with discussion papers on plastic production criteria, chemicals of concern and product design focusing on …

Foot soldiers of Kerala’s silent revolution against waste
11 months ago

Foot soldiers of Kerala’s silent revolution against waste

The Hindu  

The rustling of plastic and paper, the thud of cardboard boxes, and the sounds of a friendly conversation emanate from the shed located on a plot of land near Chala Market in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital. As per information from Suchitwa Mission’s data team, the technical support group in the waste management sector in the State,out of the 30,733 HKS members …

Lucknow says no to plastic on World Earth Day
11 months ago

Lucknow says no to plastic on World Earth Day

Hindustan Times  

The theme being Planet vs Plastics for the World Earth Day today, we spoke to a few city folks who are striving hard to bring our attention to the grave issue of plastic pollution and its repercussions. Vouching for sustainable living via focusing on paper recycling Manav Prakash from Universal Book Store adds, “Nature is giving us constant warnings to …

A ban on single-use plastics takes effect in Hong Kong in a bid to reduce pollution
11 months ago

A ban on single-use plastics takes effect in Hong Kong in a bid to reduce pollution

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Hong Kong has long been a major producer and consumer of great food, and a great amount of plastic and Styrofoam to go with it. A pedestrian carries takeaway food plastic bags in Hong Kong, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. A customer collects a takeaway food plastic bag at Kuen Fat Kitchen in Hong Kong, Wednesday, April 10, …

In Lucknow’s waste-side story, plastic peril paints grim picture
11 months ago

In Lucknow’s waste-side story, plastic peril paints grim picture

Hindustan Times  

The plastic menace is a giant of a problem towering over Lucknow, cocking a snook at the ban on the use of single use plastic and posing a serious health hazard as modernisation and consumerism disturb the environmental equilibrium. The Chowk Nala area, which lies behind the famous Bada Imambara, is covered in plastics Nearly 300 metric tonnes of plastic …

Mindful youths working towards innovative plastic management
1 year ago

Mindful youths working towards innovative plastic management

Hindustan Times  

Plastic waste has been a topic of conversation for a long time now, but very few people think about reusing and disposing of it properly. Lahoti, a class XI student at IIS along with his plastic warrior team has been promoting innovative plastic waste management for a year and a half now. Several fish and animals died due to plastic …

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