Plastic Ban Comes Into Force In Maharashtra, Here's A List Of What Is Allowed And What Isn't

The ban on plastic has come into effect across Maharashtra, starting on Saturday, in an effort to curb it's use and also to keep the environment cleaner.?

According to a government notification on March 23 manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials such as bags, spoons, straws, plates and other disposable items have been banned.

BCCL

The ban also includes packaging material and thermocol. However some items have been exempted from the ban.?

Plastic items not banned

Food grade virgin plastic used for packaging milk

Compostable packaging bags used for horticulture and agriculture purposes

Plastic bags used for exporting goods

Plastic used at the manufacturing stage

Plastic used for handling of solid waste

This in effect meant that plastic items like carry bags, which are extensively used by traders, big and small will not be available anymore.

BCCL

To enforce the ban, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will impose strict penalties on those caught for? violation.

Starting from Monday, first time offenders will be fined Rs 5,000. For second time offenders, the fine will be Rs 10,000. Those who violate it for the third time will face a fine of Rs 25,000 along with imprisonment of three months.?

If hawkers without licenses are found violating the ban, special squads will seize the plastic bags and other items.

The government has given an extension of three months to retail packaging companies for submitting their recycling plans.?