Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
• Underthenewrules,foodstuffswillnotbeallowedtobepackedinrecycled
plastics or compostable plastics.
• RecycledcarrierbagsshouldconformtospeciicBureauofIndianStandards(BIS)
standards. Plastic carrier bags should either be white or only decorated with those
pigments and colorants which are in conformity with the bar prescribed by the
BIS. This should apply expressly for pigments and colorants to be used in plastic
products, which come in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking
water.
• Plasticcarrybagsshouldnotbelessthan40μminthickness.Undertheearlier
rules, the minimum thickness was 20 μm. Several State Governments in the
meantime, have stipulated varying minimum thicknesses. It is now expected that
40 μm will become the uniform standard to be followed across the country.
• Theminimumsize(of20×30cm)fortheplasticcarrierbagsprescribedunder
the earlier rules has been dispensed with.
• Carrierbagscanbemadefromcompostableplasticsprovidedtheyconformto
BIS standards.
One of the major provisions under the new rules is the explicit recognition of the
role of waste pickers. The new rules require the municipal authority to constructively
engage agencies or groups working in waste management including these waste
pickers. This is the very irst time that such a special dispensation has been made.
5.4.2.4.6.2 Role of the Implementing Authority
The Municipal authority shall be responsible for setting up, operating and coordinating
the waste management system and for performing the associated functions, namely
to ensure:
• Safecollection,storage,segregation,transportation,processinganddisposalof
plastic waste,
• Nodamageiscausedtotheenvironmentduringthisprocess,
• Settingupofcollectioncentresforplasticwasteinvolvingmanufacturers,
• Channelingofthewastetotherecyclers,
• Creatingawarenessamongallstakeholdersabouttheirresponsibilities,
• Openburningofplasticwasteisnotpermitted,
