Sale & use of ‘Single Use Plastic’ prohibited in Assam

July 1: It is a well-known fact that severe damage is caused to the environment due to extensive use of Single Use Plastics (SUPs) and plastic carry-bags. The Central Government has notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021. As per Rule 4(2) of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (as amended), the manufacture, import, stocking distribution, sale and use of Single Use Plastic (SUP). including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene. commodities shall be prohibited with effect from 1 July, 2022.

Banned Single Use Plastics in Assam:

a) Ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (Thermocol) for decoration;

b) Plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers.

As per Rule 4(1)(c) of PWM Rules, 2016 (as amended), “carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic shall not be less than seventy five (75) microns and with effect from 30 September, 2021 and one hundred twenty (120) microns in thickness with effect from 30 December, 2022”. This notice is being issued to inform all Producers. Stockists, Retailers. Shopkeepers, e-commerce companies, street vendors, commercial Establishments (malls/ Market place/ Shopping Centres/ Cinema houses/ Tourist locations / Schools / Colleges / Office Complexes / Hospitals & other intuitions) and general public to stop production, stocking, distribution, Sale & use of identified Single Use Plastic (SUP) items as per the said MoEF&CC Notification.

Further, necessary action is to be taken by all concerned entities to ensure zero inventories of the aforementioned SUP items before 1 July, 2022. Any violations of the above regulations shall attract penalty as per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, including seizure of goods, levying of Environmental compensation and closure of operation as deemed fit. This Public Notice was issued by the Member Secretary of Pollution Control Board, Assam on 29 June, 2022.