Plastics constitute a growing threat to our environment - and in turn, human well-being - affecting the world’s freshwater systems, marine resources, terrestrial biodiversity, and public health. Improper disposal and inadequate recycling contribute to the accumulation of plastic in landfills, which further leads to the release of toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater.
India generates around 3.4 million tonnes (MT) of plastic waste,but only 30% of it is recycled. - Business Standard
According to the report, which has been prepared in association with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Praxis Global Alliance, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu together contribute 38 per cent to the total plastic waste that is generated in India.
70% of plastic waste is sent to landfills or aquatic dumps, the report noted and suggested ways to deal with the challenge as the entire plastic value chain from production to waste disposal severely impacts the local ecologies it surrounds.
Most cities and towns, in our country, do not have an integrated solid waste management system. This means that very little plastic waste is properly collected or disposed of, resulting in a massive waste-management challenge as cities continue to grow.
Most cities and towns, in our country, do not have an integrated solid waste management system. This means that very little plastic waste is properly collected or disposed of, resulting in a massive waste-management challenge as cities continue to grow.
Karnataka generates around 2.96 lakh tonnes of plastic waste annually. However only 24% (73000 tonnes) of plastic waste is recycled, 16% (15000 tonnes) is incinerated and rest 60% (1.75 lakh tonnes) is unaccounted for, as per Bangalore Mirror*.
As per an official estimate, Karnataka has 85 authorised plastic waste recycling units as of March 7, 2022. Experts said that given the total capacity of authorised recyclers and the low number of these units, the total amount of plastic waste being recycled formally cannot be more than 10% of the total plastic waste being generated.
In Bengaluru, plastic is estimated to occupy 20% of the 4000 tonnes of municipal solid waste generated. According to the Karnataka State Plastic Association, plastic consumption in the city is approximately 16 kg per person every month as per UNDP
Increasing the capacity of recycling units, banning ‘no-value’ and unrecoverable plastic items, and enforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandate are some aspects, if adopted, that can bring about the much-needed change in the ways plastic waste is being handled currently, according to experts.
Plastics are responsible for wide-ranging health impacts including cancers, lung disease and birth defects, according to the first analysis of the health hazards of plastics across their entire life cycle – from extraction for manufacturing to dumping into landfill and oceans.
Here is what we could do as an individual. We can reduce our consumption of single-use plastics, opt for reusable alternatives. This Environment Day pledge to #beatplasticpollution.
Sign and share the pledge amongst your friends and family who would also like to take part in creating clean spaces in Bangalore and improve the Air Quality for ourselves.
Links:
Plastics constitute a growing threat to our environment - and in turn, human well-being - affecting the world’s freshwater systems, marine resources, terrestrial biodiversity, and public health. Improper disposal and inadequate recycling contribute to the accumulation of plastic in landfills, which further leads to the release of toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater.
India generates around 3.4 million tonnes (MT) of plastic waste,but only 30% of it is recycled. - Business Standard
According to the report, which has been prepared in association with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Praxis Global Alliance, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu together contribute 38 per cent to the total plastic waste that is generated in India.
70% of plastic waste is sent to landfills or aquatic dumps, the report noted and suggested ways to deal with the challenge as the entire plastic value chain from production to waste disposal severely impacts the local ecologies it surrounds.
Most cities and towns, in our country, do not have an integrated solid waste management system. This means that very little plastic waste is properly collected or disposed of, resulting in a massive waste-management challenge as cities continue to grow.
Most cities and towns, in our country, do not have an integrated solid waste management system. This means that very little plastic waste is properly collected or disposed of, resulting in a massive waste-management challenge as cities continue to grow.
Karnataka generates around 2.96 lakh tonnes of plastic waste annually. However only 24% (73000 tonnes) of plastic waste is recycled, 16% (15000 tonnes) is incinerated and rest 60% (1.75 lakh tonnes) is unaccounted for, as per Bangalore Mirror*.
As per an official estimate, Karnataka has 85 authorised plastic waste recycling units as of March 7, 2022. Experts said that given the total capacity of authorised recyclers and the low number of these units, the total amount of plastic waste being recycled formally cannot be more than 10% of the total plastic waste being generated.
In Bengaluru, plastic is estimated to occupy 20% of the 4000 tonnes of municipal solid waste generated. According to the Karnataka State Plastic Association, plastic consumption in the city is approximately 16 kg per person every month as per UNDP
Increasing the capacity of recycling units, banning ‘no-value’ and unrecoverable plastic items, and enforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandate are some aspects, if adopted, that can bring about the much-needed change in the ways plastic waste is being handled currently, according to experts.
Plastics are responsible for wide-ranging health impacts including cancers, lung disease and birth defects, according to the first analysis of the health hazards of plastics across their entire life cycle – from extraction for manufacturing to dumping into landfill and oceans.
Here is what we could do as an individual. We can reduce our consumption of single-use plastics, opt for reusable alternatives. This Environment Day pledge to #beatplasticpollution.
Sign and share the pledge amongst your friends and family who would also like to take part in creating clean spaces in Bangalore and improve the Air Quality for ourselves.
Links: