Over 41 Lakh Tonnes Plastic Waste Generated in 2022–23: Govt Data

India’s plastic waste generation has shown fluctuating trends over the past three years, according to data compiled by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) based on inputs from State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees. The country generated 41.26 lakh tonnes of plastic waste in 2020–21, which declined to 39.01 lakh tonnes in 2021–22, before rising again to 41.36 lakh tonnes in 2022–23, according to information provided by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

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In the national capital, Delhi, plastic waste generation has continued to increase, with estimates rising from approximately 3.45 lakh tonnes per annum in 2020–21 to 3.77 lakh tonnes in 2021–22.

Nationwide Ban on Single-Use Plastics

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) enforced a nationwide ban on identified single-use plastic (SUP) items from July 1, 2022, targeting products with low utility and high littering potential. The ban also extends to plastic carry bags below 120 microns thickness.

Enforcement Drives Lead to Seizures and Penalties

According to the Ministry, authorities across States and Union Territories have undertaken extensive enforcement drives covering fruit and vegetable markets, wholesale markets, local markets, flower vendors, units manufacturing plastic carry bags, etc. Since the ban’s implementation, over 8.61 lakh inspections have been conducted, resulting in the seizure of 1,989 tonnes of banned plastic items and the imposition of fines amounting to Rs 19.83 crore.

To strengthen accountability, the government stated that it has operationalised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022. These guidelines mandate targets for recycling, reuse, and incorporation of recycled content in plastic packaging.