12-14 September, 2011, Lucknow - Earth Science India

National Conference on Science of Climate Change and Earth’s Sustainability: Issues and Challenges ‘A Scientist-People Partnership’
12-14 September, 2011, Lucknow
PLASTICS SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT:
CHALLENGES, STRATEGIES AND INNOVATIVE
DEVELOPMENTS
S. Kapoor and V.P. Sharma
Developmental Toxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research,
Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow 226 001
Plastics and polymeric products are ubiquitous material of choice and find
multiple applications in our regular activities. Climate change is likely to effect
population in future and transform the lifestyle and wellbeing of billions of people at
increased risk. It is widely accepted that even after introducing significant measures to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, additional global warming is inevitable. It has
significant global economic, social and environmental implications. There is a growing
recognition that planning for changes in the intensity and frequency of extreme events
may pose the challenging problems for natural resource managers. The waste generation
is quite obvious and needs attention towards its management. Plastic wastes that are
dumped in landfills release leachable constituents and incineration may release toxic
gases and contribute to temperature rise. The usage of plastics and its average growth
rate is 12-25%. Incineration is the second most used method in disposing waste
worldwide. The dioxins and furans are a matter of concern for the environmentalists and
regulatory authorities. The modern incinerating facilities and remedial methods are cost
effective, improvised, sophisticated and with ease of operation as they lessen the
consumption of fossil fuel to run incinerating machines and reduce the amounts of
generated pollutants. The uncontrolled consumption of petroleum based products,
extraction, processing and disposal may lead to global warming and thus needs
immediate attention for prevention and better living conditions.
Globally, climate change may be handled efficiently by mitigation or adaptation.
Bio toxins and degradation products of New Chemical Entities (NCE’s) may enter the
food chain and pose a threat to the environment. We have to tailor interventions to meet
the needs of the environmental conditions as well as ensuring the recovery, growth and
stabilization of the livelihoods of the individuals or develop appropriate marketing
strategies. Climate Change is a global phenomenon and requires collaborative planning
and implementation in true sense from local areas to the multicentric and
multidisciplinary approach. The polluters pay principle be implemented for strict
enforcement and as a lesson for others. The prevention policy incorporates laws
regulating the discharge and treatment of sewage. The mass dissemination of
knowledge can play an important role and inspire others to work towards the necessary
behavioural changes and minimization of nonpoint pollution and primary sources. The
46