“FROM TRASH TO TREASURE” APPROACHES AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR TRANSFORMING PLASTIC WASTE INTO VALUABLE RESOURCES.

Introduction:

Composition and Types

Plastic is usually made from binders, fillers, pigments, plasticizers and other additives. Plastics, humanity’s heritage, are evidence of our technology, industry and history. Plastic was discovered   James Swinburne went to the Patent Office in one day. His creation, which he calls phenol, combines two chemicals: formaldehyde and phenol, in heat and pressure. Binders give plastic its basic properties and are often named after the binder molecules. Binders can be man-made and natural materials such as casein or milk proteins, cellulose derivatives. However, most adhesives are synthetic materials. Polyethylene is widely used in the production of plastic products. It can also be described as an ethylene polymer whose structure and structure are CH2, (-CH2-CH2-)n respectively and is formed with temperature depending on the desired product of the final product. Polyethylene is resistant to acid, water, alkali and most organic solvents . According to their physical and chemical properties,[1] different types of plastics can be divided into thermoplastics and thermoset plastics. Thermoplastics are a type of plastic that can be melted and shaped by heat and hardened by cooling. They can be recycled, recycled and hardened.and Thermoset plastic is also known as thermosetting plastic. Examples of thermosetting plastics are

Plastic Waste: Global Problem and Challenges

World Data

Plastic production has increased significantly over the last 70 years. In 1950, world production was only 2 million tons. We currently produce more than 450 million tons. Materials and Food However, if plastic waste is not properly it can pollute the environment. Between one and two million tonnes of plastic enters our oceans each year, affecting wildlife and ecosystems. Therefore it is important to solve this problem. In 1950, world production was only 2 million tons.[2] We currently produce more than 450 million tons. Materials and Food However, if plastic waste is not properly managed it can pollute the environment. Between one and two million tonnes of plastic enters our oceans each year, affecting wildlife and ecosystems. Therefore it is important to solve this problem. Driven by growth in emerging markets, plastic use has quadrupled in the last 30 years. Global plastic production doubled between 2000 and 2019, reaching 460 million tonnes. Plastic accounts for 3.4% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Almost two-thirds of plastic waste comes from plastics with a lifespan of less than five years; 40% of these come from packaging, 12% from household appliances and 11% from clothing and textiles. collected for recycling, but 40% is discarded as residue). Another 19% is incinerated, 50% is disposed of in landfills, and 22% escapes the waste management system and ends up in unregulated waste, especially in poor countries, by open burning or entering the soil or aquatic environment.

In 2019, 6.1 million tons of plastic waste leaked into the surrounding waters and 1.7 tons of plastic waste flowed into the oceans. Currently, there are approximately 30 tons of plastic waste in the oceans and 109 tons in rivers. The accumulation of plastics in rivers means that even if uncontrolled plastic waste is reduced, leakage into the oceans will continue for years. The key to improving plastic recycling.[3]

India’s Data of Plastic Waste

According to the “Report on the Implementation of Plastic Waste Management Regulations 2019-20”, all waste disposal in 2016, 35 SPCB/PCC has provided information on compliance with plastic waste regulations. PWM Regulations The information in Table VI has been compiled and included in Annex One. 69,780Plastic waste produced per capita is calculated according to the population of the state. The difference in waste generation per capita over the last five years (2016-20).[4]

India produces 15 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, but only a third of it is recycled due to lack of proper waste management. This puts a heavy burden on the landfill and the economic situation of waste collectors (mostly women) is poor. (HCCBPL), Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), HDFC Bank and Coca-Cola India Foundation (CCIF) are developing existing systems to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste in India. Promote the collection, separation and recycling of various plastics in a circular economy manner.[5] The Program aims to create a social-technical model that will move plastic waste management from information to the formal economy, to create information recovery facilities for sustainable waste management practices for integration into a management. Framework Institutionalization of Swachhta Kendras Waste patterns and improved health economics. Advance information management technology: Simplify cloud-based tracking, accountability and digital management by building on waste materials from our technology partner Mindtree and coworking space.

Biodegradability and poor waste management can lead to environmental hazards and water pollution to the safety of cities and other industrial areas . Municipal waste accounts for less than 10% to 12% of incinerated plastic waste. After the combustion process, the gas is released into the environment, causing air pollution and the greenhouse effect.[6] Chemicals released into the atmosphere include furans, mercury, dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls. In order to protect the environment, urgent measures and practices must be taken to correct and control these problems. To make matters worse, plastic does not break down easily and can persist in the environment for long periods of time. Plastic can take anywhere from twenty to five hundred years to break down, depending on the type of plastic. Directions have been issued to all States/Union Territories under Chapter 5 of the Act, specifically: Development of Plastic Products to Improve PWM rules institutional mechanisms, 2016.

Impacts on Land

Pollution refers to harmful substances released into the environment when not in use or after use. These waste products that damage natural or artificial products are also called contaminants; Pollutants can be divided into two: pollutants (e.g. wood ash, plant and animal secretions, etc.) and pollutants produced by human activities.[7]

The effects of improper disposal and improper handling of plastic waste fall into three broad categories, including the impact of plastic waste on animals, public health, and contamination of the environment.

Impacts on Water

70% of the world’s ecosystems consist of water distributed in lakes, rivers and oceans. Water pollution occurs when harmful substances (especially chemicals and bacteria) are released into water, polluting streams, rivers, lakes, oceans or other bodies of water, causing the water to become unwell and causing poisoning of people or the environment.[8] Plastic waste, due to its chemical composition, decomposes and releases different gases that affect the atmosphere in different ways; COVID-19, which affects the world today.

Effects on animal life

In animals such as cattle, mixing plastic waste with other antibiotics or foreign substances will affect the physical activity of the animal differently and the animal’s digestive system cannot digest plastic. Anatomically, cows are distinct structures consisting of three separate parts, including the reticulum, osmium, and rumen. These chambers help cows ferment and digest different molecules instead of plastic materials. The fourth chamber, the abomasum, acts like a true stomach and aids further digestion, requiring enzymes to catalyze the digestive process.

The Importance of Plastic Waste Management

Environmental protection and pollution reduction. One of the key benefits of waste management is the ability to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment. Proper waste management and recycling can reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills or power plants, thus reducing household emissions and bad emissions.

Recycling allows us to recover valuable resources from waste, thus reducing the need for raw materials, thus preserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact associated with raw material extraction and processing. Waste management can bring huge economic benefits: The practice not only reduces the total cost of waste, but also supports job creation. Finally, investing in waste management systems can improve your company’s reputation and attract customers and investors.

Waste management is an important part of the circular economy, a model designed to reduce waste and improve resource use. In the circular economy, products and materials are designed with a focus on longevity, reuse and recycling. To achieve a sustainable and green life, a transition from the “take-dispose” model to a circular model is essential, and it is clear that waste management plays an important role in this.

Solutions of Plastic Waste Management

Plastic waste is a global problem that requires global action.. In general, they can be divided into four main groups to solve the problem:[9]

1. Create safe options
2. Reduce plastic use
3. Recycling plastic waste
4. Follow the rules and regulations

Many brands have addressed the move away from carbon polymer plastics. Progress has been made in creating biodegradable materials that can be used to make other materials such as paper, bamboo and corn. These materials are generally more environmentally friendly but have historically been more expensive It is not a big problem, but it still needs to be calculated in production and sales costs. This is the main reason why the government has taken action to restrict the use of plastic in certain products. Some recent examples include banning plastic straws and plastic shopping bags. Sometimes such things are not banned, but environmental taxes are imposed. One of the main points of the plastic problem is to reduce the use of plastic in the first place.

There may be some benefits to switching from plastic to other materials (plastic is a pollutant), but the main benefit is that the product can be recycled and reused in the first place. Any product will have a negative impact on the environment, especially if its primary use is for single use only, as in many places all rubbish is eventually thrown away together and not recycled. Why is there such motivation to try to dispose of a used volume? For example, coffee chains are allowing customers to bring their own reusable cups instead of disposable cups, regardless of their recycling ability.

Improve Recycling

Recycling is another way to reduce pollution. By recycling plastic waste, it can be reused and turned into new products, thus reducing plastic waste in the environment. Although almost all plastics can be recycled, doing so is often impractical or cost-effective for all types of plastics. Where a person lives can have a big impact on what types of plastic can or cannot be recycled. such as the End Plastic Pollution Initiative, to make changes such as tackling pollution. Unfortunately, these agreements tend to be slow and can be affected by the individual needs of countries with their own economic processes.[10]

Law Enforcement and Administration

Nobody likes restrictions, but they usually don’t change without government intervention. These laws and regulations were put in place to help reduce the amount of plastic waste produced. This includes banning single-use plastics such as stools and bags, as well as taxes and fines on plastic products.

Right Disposal

Plastic products that cannot be recycled or reused in any way (such as plastic bags) should not be thrown into the recycling bin. Another example of a good “no waste” would be countries that use DRS (Deposit Return System). For example, in Germany, students partying on city streets often leave empty water bottles next to garbage cans on the street, knowing that they will be collected by homeless people in order to earn money and clean the streets.  So if you live in a country with DRS and don’t have time to grab a bottle from the RVM (vending machine), it’s best to avoid hitting it. There’s a good chance your bottle will help someone else use it. Therefore, leave it next to the plastic bag for other citizens or garbage collection companies to collect during regular garbage collection[11].

India’s Strategies for plastic waste management

Rapid urbanization, economic growth and changing consumption patterns mean the world is faced with increasing amounts of waste. > As further elaborated by India’s leaders, grassroots coordination and collaboration with all stakeholders is essential. This triggers rapid growth, economic growth and changes in production as well as consumption patterns and expenditures. It negatively affects public health and food. Single-use plastic, packaging, equipment and clothing.

Global plastic waste is expected to triple by 2060

In fact, global plastic consumption has quadrupled in the last few decades, and by 2060 the world’s plastic waste is expected to almost triple. This is usually caused by a combination of informal and illegal activities, but others are not included, it is often dumped into landfills and rivers or for damage, to the health and safety of illegal workers, causing ecological damage and causing emissions impact. greenhouse emissions. Impact is created in the country, but there is an urgent need for local governments and regulators worldwide to collaborate with local actors to develop, scale and promote waste management policies and strategies at the grassroots level, across the country and region. level. [12]

Additionally, 350 million tons of plastic waste is produced in the country every year, the size and complexity of the work continues to increase, and there is no policy/management to identify key stakeholders. Sharing management duties and responsibilities regarding plastic waste and all municipal waste; Coordination throughout the supply chain is essential. Sex is an issue that needs to be addressed, like waste management. The role of the ability to collaborate and influence. Improve resources at necessary cost management points to ensure overall management of waste water.

Sustainable Goals For Plastic Waste Management

These Programs support businesses and companies to achieve their key sustainability goals through a unique plastic neutralization programmes .

Goal 4: Education:  The PC Program provides youth and adults with better education, skills, training and business development. PC projects include “Know your plastic”, “Use plastic”, “Fix your resources”, “How to reduce your plastic footprint – achieve zero waste or zero waste plastic”.

Goal 8: Effectiveness and Growth: PC services provide opportunities for developing communities to create small businesses that innovate through design and creativity to create jobs and economic growth.

Goal 9: Business, Innovation and Infrastructure:  PC provides small electronic devices and tools to restructure and connect developing communities for the supply chain and marketing of products internationally. PC supports support/financial support to achieve sustainable development for the least developed countries, particularly the 4000 Asia-Pacific small island states affected by pollution.

Goal 11: Strengthening Cities and Communities: Strengthen the relationship between cities and surrounding communities through rural and suburban Schrueder collaborative partnerships.

Goal 12: Social Responsibility and Sustainability:  Each Shruder service recycles 25 tons of plastic waste annually, turning it into products and waste into assets.  The Shruder program program is a program that involves remote monitoring of machinery and production The Ethical Plastics program includes sources and materials from a wide range of products from global supply chains. Evidence-based stories and advertising content for each community project will promote local culture, promote social justice and encourage tourism.

Goal 14: Life Below Water :PC recovery programs will prevent and reduce marine pollution and marine debris from groundwater because they will live in communities where 100% of plastic waste is processed. Throw it into the environment.

Goal 17: Collaborate to achieve the goal: PC’s Ethical Plastics Program provides funds to build and develop local capacity through a variety of partnerships and global partnerships with rural and developing communities. PC improves international cooperation by supporting project and creating international trade products with international products in order to increase the possibility of taxation by creating communities.

Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWM Rules)

• Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016

1. The “Plastic Waste Management Regulation” dated 2016 requires plastic waste producers to take measures to reduce plastic waste, prevent waste land filling, ensure that waste is kept on-site and dispose of waste in accordance with regulations.
2. The PWM Act 2016 mandates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for manufacturers, distributors and dealers, and EPR must be applied to consumers before and after packaging waste.

• Increase the minimum thickness of plastic bags from 40 microns to 50 microns and state that the minimum thickness of plastic sheets is 50 microns.

1. Expand the scope of application from cities to rural areas.

• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018

1. The phase-out of multi-layer plastic (MLP) (products used or used in packaging containing at least one layer of plastic) is now in favor of the use of “MLP that cannot be recycled, cannot be repeated or is not regulated”. The other way.
2. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will create a framework for registration of companies and dealers. Provide a process for non-repetitive processes.

• To provide a registration basis for the registration of plastic companies or dealers.
• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021

2022. Useless and single-use plastics will be banned by 2022.
2023. As of July 1, 2022, the production, import, storage, distribution, sale and use of certain plastic products, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, is prohibited.

• Waste bags that do not fall within the scope of disposal of single-use plastic products will be collected and managed in a sustainable manner, maintaining responsibility.

2021. This duty is regulated by law through the Electronic Materials Act 2021. Up to 120 microns.

• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022

1. Publish EPR guidelines for plastic packaging. The system has set mandatory targets for EPR, recycling of waste plastic containers, recycling of plastic containers and the use of recycled plastic products.
2. Those who fail to achieve EPR targets will be awarded environmental compensation according to the perpetrators.

• Protecting and improving the environment means preventing, controlling and reducing pollution.

1. Protecting and improving the environment means preventing, controlling and reducing pollution.
2. Cruel people, regardless of their intentions, are responsible for paying the price for the damage caused to the environment.
3. The directive provides a framework for strengthening the circular economy for packaging waste.

Challenges of Plastic Waste Management

Poor waste management (e.g. plastic waste): Plastics enter the environment as micro plastics Or micro beads through limited transport from groundwater, sewage, air or seawater and cannot be filtered out once in the ocean. As plastic flows with the ocean current, it forms a garbage island called the Pacific Garbage Patch.[13]Fake biodegradable plastics: Fake biodegradable and compostable plastics have entered the market as there are no tests and certifications to verify the company’s claims.Online companies or e-commerce: In addition to the plastic we consume from brick-and-mortar stores, the popularity of online stores and delivery (even if only city-wide) has also led to an increase in plastic waste. Microplastics Once microplastics enter the aquatic environment, they can float in the ocean or sea Marine litter Plastic pollution in freshwater and marine environments has been identified as a global problem, accounting for approximately 60-80% of marine plastic litter.Plastics in the soil: 80% of the pollution comes from the material in the soil. Improper use and maintenance: Despite the publication of the Waste Management Act (PWM) 2016 and the amendments made in 2018, local organizations, especially large companies in the city, have failed to take care of waste segregation.

Case Study

Rwanda: Banning All Plastic Bags

Banning All Plastic Bags: Urban and Rural Sanitation

Back:

In 2004, the Rwandan Ministry of Environment was concerned about the wrong plastic bags being used, which were often thrown away incorrectly. . Basic research has shown that plastic waste threatens agriculture, pollutes water resources and causes visible pollution due to burning or clogging of water pipes. and we import all plastic bags. In addition to this new limit, tax incentives are also given to companies that want to invest in recycled plastic or produce reusable bags. Not expected. Despite good intentions, there has been no investment in technology, efficient and cheap work since this ban came into force. People then started smuggling plastic bags from neighboring countries and a profitable black market emerged. Facing high fines and even imprisonment

In the long run, the public gradually adopted the new rules, and Rwanda’s city of Kigali was designated the cleanest city in Africa by UN-Habitat in 2008.

Case Laws Related To Plastic Waste Management

1. P. Suryaprakasam v. Government of Tamil Nadu State

Sanjay Kishan Kaul, C.J:- The affidavit submitted by the third respondent / Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board states that the establishment complies with the Use of Plastics (Administration and Operation), Excise Regulations, 2011. as follows: Changed. The city has the responsibility of establishing storage facilities.

It is provided by authorities and plastic manufacturers. Plastic sheet manufacturers must comply with the Plastic. Plastic banners must be accompanied by the manufacturer’s registration number obtained from the State Pollution Control Board under the Plastic Waste (Management and Processing) Act, 2011 (as amended). If the thickness does not exceed 40 microns, necessary action must be taken against the third party and it must be removed immediately. / Investigate further for Recycler (permitted site) cleaning and waste. above provisions. That’s why it’s so important to find a comprehensive guide right now. It doesn’t cost anything.

2. ADITYA DUBEY V. AMAZON RETAIL INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

This petition seeks to invoke the “Continuing Clause” of the Plastic Products Regulations, 2016. it was alleged that this law was imposed by Ms. Coca-Cola India Pvt. Allegedly violated by. Ltd. (CCIPL), Gurgaon, Haryana, M/s Hindustan Coca-Cola Dej Haus Private Limited, Gurgaon, Haryana, PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited. LEtd., Gurgaon, Haryana, M/s Bisleri International Pvt., Mumbai, M/s Parle Agro Pvt. (Mumbai), M/s Patanjali Peya Private Ltd. (Haridwar), Uttarakhand, M/s Nourish Co-Beverages Ltd. (Himalayan Dej), Gurgaon (Haryana) thiab M/s Indian Demiryolu İkram ve Turizm Corp. Ltd., New Delhi. ) was asked to investigate the matter and submit an additional report.

But there is no mention of direct control of the CPCB or cooperation with the national PCB/PCC. CPCB may also decide to subject relevant entities to environmental audits and to conduct investigations and pay compensation for environmental violations in accordance with the law. Member Secretary. The CPCB may attend the next day’s hearing in person via video conferencing. br> Considering the ranking in the main application, there is no separate ranking in I.A. No.01/01/2020 Published.

3. Amit Jain v. Union of India

The issue of sending the method of sweeping cheap paper waste and garbage to fight fire in brick should be decided. According to the petitioner, 900,000 tons of waste were sent. An email notification sent to CPCB on April 1, 2019 stated that access to plastic waste should be restricted as the amount of improperly managed hazardous waste in the country is increasing by approximately 26,000 tonnes per day. The Plastic Ordinance, 2016, amended in 2018, bans open burning of waste and only plastic waste that meets Indian standards is allowed to be recycled.

Local people should be encouraged to use plastic waste for construction or recycling; otherwise the waste is converted into fuel. , etc. All manufacturers or dealers shall apply for registration or renewal and get registered as per the list published by CPCB. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) applies and manufacturers, distributors and dealers must comply with the instructions. The main technologies mentioned are:

Use of plastic waste in development (according to IRC: SP: 98-2013). Destruction of plastic waste with plasma pyrolysis technology (PPT). Actions, including banning plastic waste, should be taken as per the instructions of the CPCB. The implementation of the Plastic Management Act has been done by all concerned and the ban on plastic waste has been implemented in accordance with the guidelines issued by the CPCB.

4. JITENDER YADAV V. ALLIANCE OF INDIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES

Waste disposal. Some precautions were taken, including vehicles, personnel and equipment. To carry out waste management and planning in accordance with the rules and disposal of waste in the city. Land was given for this purpose. The municipality and its officials are asked to take the necessary steps to dispose of waste in accordance with the law.

On January 24, 2017, it was learned that approval was given to clear the forest on the site. Once the DPR renovation is completed, integrated waste treatment will begin. Start or before. This incident was mentioned in court. Measures to meet Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements as set out in the Electronic Products Regulations 2016.

Conclusion

That Plastic must reduce, reuse and recycle together. We can reduce this by purchasing the product in small packages and taking it several times. We can recycle by preventing waste. Finally, we can recycle by using community recycling programs and purchasing products made from recycled materials. By promoting alternatives to single use plastics, improving recycling infrastructure, implementing policies, fostering innovation and using better technologies and public awareness , we can address the pressing issue of plastic pollution and management will make a better future for us. ultimately concerted efforts of local , state, canter government is required to sustainable and better living.

REFRENCES

1. (UN roadmap outlines solutions to cut global plastic pollution)
2. (Thermoplastic and Thermosetting plastics, 2024)
3. (Plastic waste and its management strategies for environmental sustainability, 2021)
4. (Plastic collective)
5. (Our World In Data)
6. (MDPI)
7. (J. Dgu)
8. (Impact of household air pollution on human health: source identification and systematic management approach)
9. (How India is creating collaborative solutions to tackle waste)
10. (Annual Report 2019-20)
11. [1] (Plastic waste and its management strategies for environmental sustainability, 2021)

[2] (Our World In Data)

[3] (plastic pollution OECD)

[4] (Annual Report 2019-20)

[5] (plastic waste projects UNDP)

[6] (science direct)

[7] (science direct)

[8] (Impact of household air pollution on human health: source identification and systematic management approach)

[9] (Plastic collective)

[10] (UN roadmap outlines solutions to cut global plastic pollution)

[11] (Plastic waste and its management strategies for environmental sustainability, 2021)

[12] (How India is creating collaborative solutions to tackle waste)

[13] (https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/plastic-waste-1)