CPCB Warns Against Plastic Rule Violations in Tender Documents

The CPCB has urged State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to ensure compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules in tender documents issued by government bodies under their jurisdiction. The CPCB has requested SPCBs to conduct regular checks to ensure certified compostable plastic manufacturers comply with the conditions of their certificates. These conditions include mandatory labeling of products with “COMPOSTABLE IS/ISO 17088 Certified” and a QR code linking to manufacturer details and certificate information.

Guidelines for Financial Support for Recycling Waste In Coastal Areas

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has announced Guidelines for One-Time Financial Support for Establishing Recycling Plants & Machinery for Abandoned, Lost & Discarded Fishing Gears (ALDFGs) and High Littering Plastic Wastes in Coastal Areas”. These guidelines seek to facilitate and enhance control of pollution in coastal areas.

Environmental Compensation Guidelines for E-Waste Management Introduced

EC guidelines will be applicable to entities involved in manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, refurbishing, dismantling, recycling and processing of e-waste or electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) listed in Schedule I, including their components, consumables, parts and spares which make the product operational.

Clearing The Air Under National Clean Air Program

The Minister urged all cities to update their clean action plans on a 100% saturation basis and implement Mission LiFE actions. He also called for the implementation of proposed reforms in areas such as waste management, vehicular pollution, and public awareness to provide better clean air to all.

Revised Environment Compensation for Violation of Plastic Waste Management Rules

The Environmental Compensation (EC) regime takes into account the cost incurred in managing plastic waste, which is estimated to be approximately Rs. 4000 per ton. To act as a deterrent, a deterrent factor of 2.5 is applied to the calculated EC, resulting in a total levy of Rs. 5000 per ton of plastic waste. The EC factor is inversely proportional to the collection of each category of plastic packaging waste, with higher ECs imposed for lower collection rates.

Electronic Trading and Settlement Platform for Plastic Packaging Operator

CPCB has published the Draft Guidelines for Authorization of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Electronic Trading & Settlement Platform for Plastic Packaging (EPRETPPP) Operator. The EPRETPPP Operator shall provide the platform for trading of EPR Certificates between the various registered entities in accordance with the provisions of EPR Guidelines.

New Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules to Take Effect

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has notified the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2024, which will come into force on April 1, 2025. The rules aim to regulate the management of waste generated from construction, demolition, remodeling, renovation, and repair activities.

Coal Companies Taking Steps to Mitigate Water Pollution

To prevent water pollution, coal companies are treating pumped-out mine water through sedimentation and conducting regular water quality tests. A substantial amount of treated mine water has been provided for community use over the past five years. Additionally, coal companies are collaborating with state governments to optimize the use of this treated water.

India Takes Strong Steps Against Single-Use Plastics

The Indian government has made significant strides in its fight against single-use plastic pollution. The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 implemented from July 1, 2022, have led to a ban on several high-littering plastic items, including plastic carry bags below a certain thickness. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) has issued a press release dated July 25, 2024, on current status of this ban.