Next on Maharashtra government's radar: Tetra packs and multi-layered packaging
The Maharashtra government, which last week enforced a statewide plastic ban, is now mulling bringing tetra packaging and multi-layered packaging under its ambit. Tetra packaging is mostly used for liquid items, while multi-layered packaging is used for items like chips and biscuits. But citizens are asking if the ban is sincere, since PET and PETE bottles as well as retail packaging are already exempt.
All about the ban: Rules, penalties and more
Last Saturday, Mumbai joined the likes of Seattle (US), Montreal (Canada) and Hamburg (Germany), which have banned the sale, distribution and storage of single-use plastic. The items included in the ban are high-quality carry bags, plastic, thermocol decorative items, disposable cutlery and non-woven polypropylene bags. Penalties can go up to Rs. 25,000 and imprisonment for three months.
On Day-1, Rs.7.27L collected as fines, over 10,000kg plastic seized
Expectedly, compliance on Day-1 wasn't high; raids were conducted in Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur and Ulhasnagar. In Thane, officials confiscated 2,500kg plastic and collected Rs. 95,000. In Solapur, collection went up to Rs. 2.15L. In Pune, officials seized over 8,000kg of banned items and collected Rs. 3.69L. Overall, a whopping Rs. 7.27L was collected as fines, and more than 10,000kg of banned items seized.
Retail packaging at general stores exempted, but with conditions
After protests, the government announced Wednesday it is exempting retail packaging at general stores. However, there are conditions: it can't weigh less than 2gm, the manufacturer/retailer's name must be printed on it, and they've to set up a buyback-mechanism within three months. Under buyback, citizens will be able to sell their plastic packaging to retailers, who will then sell them to manufacturers or recyclers.
Many complaining, most pleased, but ban's intentions being questioned
There have been mixed reactions to the ban, but many questioned the government's intentions considering several items (compostable packaging bags used for horticulture and agriculture, pens, plastic wrappers etc) have been exempted. Others complained of difficulty using paper bags, especially during this rainy season. Meanwhile, some have come up with creative solutions; Pune NGO eCoexist has introduced a thin cloth bag for grocery shopping.
Eco-conscious Twitterati take the chance to promote healthier options
Notification expected for tetra packaging soon
The state is now mulling exempting tetra packs. It is also considering allowing the use of takeaway containers, but "only (for) food items that need to be stored in the refrigerator," an official told HT. In both these cases, the retailers will have to ensure collection and recycling of used packets, failing which the ban might be re-imposed. A formal notification is expected soon.
