Context:
- The government has amended Plastic Waste Management Rules, introducing flexibility in compliance while retaining long-term sustainability goals under the EPR framework.
Key Highlights:
Policy Changes
- Companies can carry forward unmet recycling targets for up to 3 years (from 2026–27).
- Condition: Must fulfil at least one-third of deficit annually.
- Introduction of tradable certificates for compliance.
EPR Framework Details
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates:
- Producers must collect and process 100% of plastic waste introduced.
- Targets for recycled content in packaging:
- Rigid plastics: 30% (2025–26) → 60% (2028–29)
- Flexible plastics: 10% → 20%
- Multi-layered plastics: 5% → 10%
Implementation Challenges
- 100% collection target (2024–25) not fully achieved.
- Exemptions where food safety regulations restrict recycled plastic use.
Economic / Regulatory Aspect
- Tradable certificates allow companies to:
- Buy credits instead of direct compliance.
- Reduce compliance costs and operational burden.
Concerns
- Risk of weakening enforcement.
- Possibility of greenwashing through credit purchases.
- Lack of transparent monitoring mechanisms.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, amended):
- Regulate plastic production, usage, and disposal.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
- Assigns responsibility to producers for lifecycle management.
- Tradable Certificates:
- Market-based mechanism to meet environmental obligations.
- Types of plastics:
- Rigid, flexible, multi-layered plastics.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Environmental Governance Challenges:
- Balancing ease of doing business vs environmental protection.
- Effectiveness of Market Mechanisms:
- Role of tradable credits in environmental compliance.
- Plastic Pollution Crisis:
- Impact on marine ecosystems, soil, and human health.
- Policy Implementation Issues:
- Weak enforcement and monitoring gaps.
- Sustainable Consumption and Production:
- Need for circular economy approach.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen monitoring and verification systems.
- Ensure transparency in certificate trading mechanism.
- Promote reduction and reuse alongside recycling.
- Encourage innovation in biodegradable alternatives.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS 3: Environment & Ecology (Pollution, Waste Management)
- GS 2: Governance (Regulatory Frameworks, Policy Effectiveness)