The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued an advisory highlighting violations of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (as amended) in tender documents issued by some government agencies. This advisory was issued on October 23, 2024.
The CPCB observes that some of the tender documents specify plastic thicknesses and items banned under the Plastic Waste Management Rules. The CPCB has clarified that thickness requirements don’t apply to compostable plastics, but they must comply with IS/ISO 17088:2021 standards.
The advisory reiterates the ban on various single-use plastic items, including straws, cutlery, and polystyrene for decoration, effective July 1, 2022. Exemptions exist only for certified compostable plastic alternatives.
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.
It has recommended the publishing of a general notice on SPCB portals and in media outlets to inform both government agencies and private parties involved in tenders.
The CPCB emphasized the requirement for compostable plastic manufacturers to be certified by them. A list of certified manufacturers is available on the CPCB website.
Compliance Measures
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.
