Question

The significant amendment in the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2024 in India includes:

(i) Reduced producer responsibility

(ii) Focus on micro plastic for mitigating water pollution.

(iii) Introduced stricter criteria for biodegradable plastics.

(iv) Certification from Central Pollution Control Board is needed before marketing biodegradable plastics. 

• A. Only (i)
• B. Only (iii) and (iv)
• C. Only (ii), (iii) and (iv)
• D. All the above statements

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Only (ii), (iii) and (iv)

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India has recently introduced amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, through the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
• These changes signify a significant effort to address plastic pollution in India, particularly by targeting microplastics and setting stricter criteria for biodegradable plastics. 

the Key Highlights of the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2024

• Biodegradable Plastics:
• • Biodegradable plastics are now defined as materials capable of degradation by biological processes in specific environments like soil and landfill, without leaving any microplastics.
  • • Microplastics are defined as any solid plastic particle insoluble in water, with dimensions between 1 micron and 1,000 microns (1 micron is one-thousandth of a millimetre).
    • In recent years, they have been reported as a major source of pollution affecting rivers and oceans.
• Microplastics Testing:
• • The rules do not specify which chemical tests can establish the absence of microplastics or the extent to which microplastics must be reduced for elimination.
• Expanded Definition of "Importer":
• • The definition now includes imports of various plastic-related materials such as packaging, carry bags, sheets, raw materials, and intermediate materials used in plastic manufacturing for commercial purposes.
  • • Earlier, "importer" referred to someone who imported plastic packaging, products with plastic packaging, carry bags, multilayered packaging, plastic sheets, or similar items.
• Inclusive Definition of "Manufacturer":
• • The scope now encompasses those engaged in the production of plastic raw materials, compostable plastics, and biodegradable plastics, reflecting a broader range of entities covered under this term.
• Extended Scope of "Producer":
• • Beyond manufacturing plastic packaging, it now includes the production of intermediate materials used in plastic packaging and contract manufacturing for brand owners.
• Certification Requirement:
• • Manufacturers are allowed to produce carry bags and commodities from compostable or biodegradable plastics, and must obtain a certificate from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) before marketing or selling their products.