26K Tonnes Of Plastic Dumped On Our Streets Every Day, 40% Remains Uncollected As We Continue To Import Recyclable Waste

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the need for implementation of the "golden principle" of 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – to ensure better waste management in the country.

Over the years, India has made considerable improvement when it comes to better disposal of recyclable waste, including plastic.

But the gap between the amount of solid plastic which is generated and how much of it is collected and recycled remains. According to the figures of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) which conducted an extensive, India generates 25,940 tonnes of plastic waste every day, most of this being single-use, non-biodegradable plastic.

BCCL

The Times of India reported that 60 major cities across contribute one-sixth of the plastic waste. Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru account for more than 50% of the plastic waste from the cities.

But what is worrisome is the amount of plastic waste that is getting piled up and is not collected.

According to the CPCB, 10,376 tonnes (40%) out of 25,940 tonnes of plastic waste generated every day remain uncollected. This is a matter of concern as the uncollected plastic then enters the ecosystem and will remain there for centuries to come.

BCCL

On one side, India is unable to process its own plastic waste, the country is one of the world leaders when it comes to import of recyclable scrap.?

In Financial Year 2016-17, India imported 12,000 metric tonnes (MT) of PET Bottle Scrap and Flakes which increased to 48,000 MT in FY 17-18 growing up 290%.?

In the first three months of FY 18-19, India has already imported 25,000 MT. At this rate, India will be importing 100,000 MT of PET Bottle Scrap and Flakes in FY 18-19 which will be another 130% increase over FY 17-18.

REUTERS

Vinod Shukla, President, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Smriti Manch (PDUSM), who has been leading a campaign to end the import of plastic scraps to India, said it will only result in the domestically generated waste going uncollected as those in the industry will be inclined towards importing as it is cheaper.