CPCB takes steps to curb use of single use plastic

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has adopted a Comprehensive Action Plan to give effect to India’s commitment to ban identified Single Use Plastic items by June 30, 2022.

This Action plan comprises measures to reduce supply of plastic raw materials, demand side measures to reduce plastic demand, enabling measures to promote alternatives to SUP, use of technology for efficient monitoring and to create awareness, and guidance to State Boards for effective implementation of the given directions.

With effect from July 1, 2022, the guidelines as of 12th August 2021 prohibits the manufacturing, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of the single-use plastic items, which have poor utility and high littering potential, such as earbuds with plastic sticks, balloon sticks, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice cream sticks, polystyrene (Thermocol) for decoration, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns, stirrers are among the items.


Furthermore, the directions have been issued at the national, state, and local levels to limit the supply of the underlined items. Including, all major petrochemical companies should stop supplying plastic raw materials to companies that make unlawful SUPs.

Lastly, SPCB/PCCs have also been given instructions to alter or revoke consent to operate issued under the Air/Water Act to enterprises that produce banned SUP. While the import of banned SUP items. To complete the loop, Local Authorities have been directed to issue.