Strategic Action Plan - International Environmental Technology Centre

TAMING CONSUMPTION OF NON-
BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS
Target:
‣ To reduce the usage of plastics
‣ Influencing the packaging waste generated through consumers as well as
industries
‣ To promote the use of biodegradable plastics
Lead Agency: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)
Support Agency: Plastic Waste Management sub-division of the ISWM
Cell, PMC, Research Institutions such as National Chemical Laboratory,
polymer manufacturers and users, NGOs’, generators and housing societies.
Location (Suggested): For awareness and promotion of the use of
biodegradable plastics, the Environmental Awareness Centre may be used.
Description: With a view to better manage the ever increasing problem of
plastic wastes; PMC has introduced a ban on the usage of polymer bags
below thickness of 50µm. Recycling of plastic wastes for exploring
possibilities of refuse derived fuel such as plastic to petroleum/diesel needs
to be examined. Proper collection and segregation of waste is a precursor to
the successful application this waste to fuel project. Along with the
application of waste to fuel or refuse derived fuels, research on the feasibility
of introducing biodegradable plastics as an alternative for the conventional
plastics needs to be investigated. Consumers play a significantly crucial role
in the overall plastic waste management. The generation of plastics can be
controlled and to a certain extent reduced through creating awareness
amongst the consumers. Packaging related plastics are typically generated on
a large-scale at the shopping malls. Mechanisms should be developed along
with the mall co-operatives providing for incentive based mechanisms to
encourage consumers to remove the packaging waste at the malls. The
collected plastic and packaging waste can then be directly supplied to the
waste to energy processor.
Uses of biodegradable plastics: With the recent advancements within the
industry, there are biodegradable plastics that replace virtually all traditional
plastic products. Today there are biodegradable grocery bags, food
packaging, disposable razors, toothbrushes, cups, suture threads, bone
fixation, and many other things that are made from these environmentally
friendly products. However, there is a need for setting standards for
biodegradable plastics. In discussion with the manufacturers, PMC should
look at developing specific quality guidelines for the manufacturing of
biodegradable plastics.
AWARENESS AND
PROMOTION
PROJECT
G2 O4
SCHEME 2
Links to other ISWM Pune Schemes:
‣ Formation of Integrated Solid Waste
Management Cell (ISWM Cell) and
website
‣ Formation of Waste Exchange Centre
‣ Formation of Environmental
Awareness Centre
‣ Conducting Awareness Programmes
for Businesses and Community
‣ PPP in waste collection and
management system- Promotion of
Decentralized Treatment Plants
Benefits
• Management of Plastic Waste would
become more convenient and easy to
handle
• Overall reduction in quantum of waste
generated
• Plastic Wastes would not get mixed
with MSW and avoid the use of
landfill space
• Cost Benefits of recycling Plastic
Waste
• Preventing the pollution possibility
due to improper handling of plastic
wastes
• Generation of refuse-derived fuel.
Budget: Rs 0.5 Million
Timeframe (Estimated): 12 months
ISWM Plan for Pune 164