Question : Guidelines for Manufacturers of Single-use Plastic Items

(a) whether presently there are nocomprehensive processes or guidelines forthe manufacturers of the single-use plasticto follow and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government isworking on a new guidelines for recyclingor disposing of plastics for freeing thecountry of single-use of plastic items by2022;
(c) if so, the details thereof and theaction plan devised by the Government inthis regard;
(d) whether the Government ispushing manufacturers to put in a place anevidence based mechanisms to track whatthe recycling firms undertake as ExtendedProducer Responsibility (EPR) obligationsand if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether an inter-ministerial consultation to frame a broad-based policyon recycling, managing and disposing ofsingle-use plastics, including stricter producerresponsibility is also proposed; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and thetime by which the new guidelines are likelyto be announced?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a) to (c) Considering the high environmental costs associated with management of single-use plastics, particularly the adverse effect on marine environment, and the need for a definitive response supplementing actions undertaken by various States/UTs to combat single-use plastic pollution, Hon’ble Prime Minister has announced India’s pledge to phase out Single-use plastic by 2022. Further, the Ministry has issued “Standard Guidelines on Single-use Plastics” to all Ministries under the Government of India and to all States/UTs for extensive implementation in respective offices and in the States. The Guideline suggests about actions to be taken by the State/UT Governments for minimization of usage of Single-use Plastics.

(d) to (f) The Rules mandate the producers to work out modalities for waste collection system based on the principle of Extended Producers Responsibility involving the State Urban Development Departments.The Rules furthermandates theProducers, Importers and Brand Owners for collection of used multi-layered plastic sachet or pouches or packaging, who introduces such products in the market. The Rules prescribe them to establish a system for collecting back the plastic waste generated due to their products.

Ministry has conducted several meetings with thestakeholders for implementation of the provisions of EPR. Further, stakeholder consultation workshops were also conducted by the Ministry in Bangalore Ranchi and Chandigarh.

*****