The Ministry of Environment has notified the plastic waste management rules on August 13. The new amendments place a ban on certain single-use plastic products, which will kick into gear from July 11, 2022. The ministry said pollution due to single use plastic items has become an important environmental challenge confronting all countries and India is committed to take action for mitigation of pollution caused by littered Single Use Plastics.
The thickness clause will, however, be implemented in a staggered manner in two phases, beginning September 30. The products that can no longer be used from July next year include earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene for decoration. Plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films used for sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron and stirrers. Apart from this, the government has also come up with a way to reduce the amount of littering caused due to lightweight plastic bags. Effective September 30 this year, the thickness of plastic carry bags has been increased from 50 microns to 75 microns, and to 125 microns with effect from December 31, 2022.
