The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide its notification dated 18th January 2022 has notified the Draft Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2022 through which it has widen the scope of the definitions and increased the responsibility of plastic manufacturers and importers in india.
As per the new rule, the definition for the term “Biodegradable plastics”, “Post-consumer plastic packaging waste”, “Recyclers”, “Waste to Energy”etc has been notified.
Further the Producers, Importers and Brand Owners, shall fulfill Extended Producers Responsibility on plastic packaging waste as per regulations issued under these rules from time to time.
As per the rule, no person shall manufacture carry bags or recycle plastic or multilayered packaging unless the person has obtained registration from,-
- The concerned State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee of the Union Territory, if operating in one or two states or Union territories; or
- The Central Pollution Control Board, if operating in more than two States or Union Territories.
Environmental Compensation shall be levied based upon polluter pays principle, on person(s) not adhering to the provisions of these rules, for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing, controlling and abating environment pollution.
