Question : PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT

(a) the quantum of plastic waste being generated in the country annually and the percentage being collected and recycled;

(b) whether the Hon. Supreme Court has asked the Union as well as the State Governments to submit reports to contain dumping of plastic waste;

(c) if so, whether Union and State Governments have submitted reports in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether Government proposes decentralization of sewerage management and create a system for recycling of plastic waste; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR):

(a): As per the study conducted by Central Pollution Control Board in 2010-2011, the quantum of plastic waste generated in the country is estimated to be 15,342 tonnes per day. Approximately 60% of the total plastic waste is collected and recycled.

(b) & (c): The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide order dated 03/04/2013 in SLP (C) No. 16308/2007 has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) of all States and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) of all Union Territories to submit their respective reports showing compliance to provisions contained in the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 (PWM Rules) notified by this Ministry. The CPCB, SPCBs and PCCs are required to comply with the Orders of the Court.

(d) & (e): This Ministry has no proposal to decentralise sewerage management. As per the guidelines for preparation of project reports under National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) programme for implementation of sewerage systems including sewerage treatment plants, the option for centralised versus decentralised approach is to be analysed for optimisation of cost during the design period. As per the PWM Rules notified by this Ministry, any person recycling or proposing to recycle plastic waste is required to obtain registration from the concerned SPCB/ PCC. Recycling, recovery or disposal of plastic waste is to be carried out as per these Rules and Standards notified by the Central Government from time to time.