Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
5.4.2.3.4 South Asian Region
Many South Asian countries share a common interest in tackling solid waste
issues. However, there is no joint policy for disposal of plastic wastes in the sea.
The most noteworthy is India's recent review and finalisation process of the
National Environmental Policy
which stresses among other things adoption of
cleaner technology, strengthening the informal sector of collection and recycling of
various materials, developing and implementing strategies for recycling, reuse and
environmental friendly disposal of plastic waste [48].
In 2004, delegates from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) countries - India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, agreed to put
forward the recommendations from the three day intensive workshop on Solid Waste
Management in Dhaka (Bangladesh). Besides other technical aspects of solid waste
management, it also states that the: 'SAARC countries agree to encourage NGO
and private companies to establish community based segregation at source, separate
collection and resource recovery from wastes with particular focus on composting'
[49].
5.4.2.4 Plastic Disposal Policies in Other Countries
5.4.2.4.1 Australia
Management measures used for plastic waste include public awareness strategies (such
as consumer awareness and anti-litter programmes), voluntary measures (such as
codes of practice), legislation (with littering ines, including on-the-spot ines ranging
from A$60−4,000). A voluntary Code of Practice adopted by the Australian Retailers
Association in 2003 aimed to reduce plastic bag consumption by half of the 2003
level of usage by the end of 2005. Between 2002 and 2007, according to industry
data, per annum plastic bag consumption in Australia was reported to have declined
by 2 billion. This coincides with the voluntary retailer programme of reducing plastic
bags by 50% that ended in 2005.
A tax of 25 Australian cents per bag is imposed by the government, if the target
is not achieved. Other than the supermarkets, there is no wider participation
from business houses which use plastic bags, e.g., fast food outlets, liquor stores,
pharmacies, newsagents and so on [50]. Strong campaigns such as the 'Say No to
Plastic Bags' supports the Code with a view to encouraging consumers to reduce
plastic bag consumption and increase recycling. A kit developed recommends the
concept of refuse-reduce-reuse-recycle, and the use of alternate materials such as