Plastic waste management (Amendment) Rules, 2022:
Classification of plastics
- Category 1:Rigid plastic packaging will be included under this category.
- Category 2:Flexible plastic packaging of a single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags, plastic sachet or pouches will be included under this category.
- Category 3:Multi-layered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic) will be included under this category.
- Category 4:Plastic sheets or like used for packaging as well as carry bags made of composite plastics fall under this category.
The reuse of rigid plastic packaging material has been mandated in the guidelines to reduce the use of fresh plastic material for packaging.
Extended producer responsibility certificates will help set up a market mechanism for plastic waste management.
Centralized online portal by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for registration and filing of annual returns by producers, importers, and brand owners.
Environmental compensation will be levied based upon the polluter pays principle on non-fulfillment of EPR targets by producers, importers, and brand owners, to protect and improve the quality of the environment and prevent, control, and abate environment pollution.
A committee constituted by the CPCB under the chairmanship of the CPCB chairman will recommend measures to the environment ministry for effective implementation of EPR, including amendments to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines.
State Pollution Control Board (SPCBs)have been tasked to submit an annual report on the EPR portal concerning its fulfillment by producers, importers and brand-owners, and plastic waste processors in the state/Union Territory to the CPCB.
