Plastic Ban imposed in the State of Odisha with effective from October 02, 2018

In line with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 effected by the Ministry of Environment, Government of India, the State Government of Odisha has passed an order regulating the use of Polythene Bags, thermocol and similar products.

This Order applies to the territorial Jurisdiction of  5 municipalities and Corporations of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Rourkela, Sambalpur and tourist attraction – Puri in the State of Odisha.

Highlights of the order

1. A complete Ban has been imposed on Trading, Manufacturing, selling, importing, storing, carrying, transporting, using or distributing of:

• Polythene carry bags irrespective of the shape, thickness and size (excluding compostable plastics);
• Bottled drinking water Polyethylene Terephthatate (PET/PETE) bottles of less than 200m1 capacity;
• Single use disposable cutleries made up of thermocol (polystyrene), polyurethane and the like; or plastic such as dish, spoon, cup, plate, glass, fork, bowl, pouch to store liquid and container etc. of any size and shape excepting for packing and selling of milk and other ancillary milk products; and
• Thermocol decorative materials (flowers and the like)

2. Vendors are not allowed to use polythene sheets of less than 50 micron thickness for storing, transporting, dispensing or packaging of any article or commodity or food items, consumables, packaging of milk and milk products and edible oil in sealed manner. Except milk cups, Agri and Horticultural products, and healthcare medicines, drugs, needles, consumables etc.

Note: The expression ‘vendor’ means any person who sells articles or commodities specified under this Order.

3. No person must knowingly or otherwise, litter any public place with any plastic item allowed under this Order.

Call to Action:

1. The authorities or owners of places of religious worship/institutions, hotels and restaurants, cafe, mobile food counters or vans, caterers and other such places like marriage or party halls, offices or institutions and the outdoor event managers located at the places covered under this Order, must be responsible for ensuring strict compliance of the above directions and they must provide space for collection of plastic waste within their campus and returning the same to the concerned manufacturer or retailers or supplier.
2. Manufacturers or Producers of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE) bottles for bottled drinking water and soft drinks must take back the Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE) bottles and plastic waste respectively through the same retail sales network under mutually agreed terms and conditions based on Extended Producer’s Responsibility.
3. Cinema Hall owners or proprietors shall exhibit slides in their halls regarding the restriction of plastic use int he State for a period of one year from the date of issue of this order.
4. The Order states that the Odisha State Pollution Control Board must ensure closure of the industries producing plastic products which are not confirming to the stipulations of this Order within the 6 above Municipal Corporations/Municipalities.
5. Any person including the vendor possessing any materials, which are prohibited under this Order, must dispose of those articles within 29th October, 2018.