Question : RECYCLING OF PLASTIC BOTTLES

(a) whether almost 1 billion of plastic bottles mostly Pet are used in the country annually and discarded instead of being recycled as in many other countries;

(b) if so, whether the Government are aware that in many countries like Germany and USA it is mandatory for the manufacturers and users of Pet like bottles for water, soft drinks to accept the bottles back for recycling;

(c) if so the reasons for not making such arrangements in India;

(d) whether destroying such plastic bottles through installation of incinerators leads to serious pollution including formation of carcinogenic dioxins; and

(e) if so the steps taken or proposed to be taken to remedy the situation?

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)

(a) As per information made available by the Indian Centre for Plastics in the Environment, 50% of the 50,000 tonnes of PET consumed annually in the country goes for the manufacture of water and soft drink bottles. The established installed recycling capacity for PET in the country is 95000 tonnes per annum.

(b) Yes Sir

(c) to (e) Presently PET recyclers are engaged in the collection of used PET bottles. PET bottles are not generally incinerated. Justice Ranganath Mishra Committee set up by this Ministry to look into issues relating to Plastic Waste Disposal has recommended Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles manufactures Association and bulk users should establish collection centres. The industry should establish requisite collection centers for collection of at least 90% of bottles in the first phase and implement the scheme within six months failing which a deposit refund scheme @ Re. 1.0 per bottle should be imposed.

Besides PET bottles, collection centres and proper recycling facilities should be also established by the concerned industry in consultation with the local bodies within one year.