Home :: Myths & Realities

POINT: Plastics bags have no reuse

Counter Point: The thick gauge bags are retained by consumers for multiple secondary usage over extended period of time.

• Thereafter they are collected and recycled into very useful products like the barsati film, nursery bags, etc.

For very thin bags, industry has already accepted increasing the minimum thickness to make reuse and recycling viable.

POINT: Plastic bags are manufactured by 10,000 unregistered units

Counter Point:

• The number of jhabla bag manufacturing units have been highly exaggerated.
  - In Maharashtra, registered and unregistered units total 1000.
  - Maharashtra is a major centre accounting for almost 40 % of entire production.
  - On all India basis, this number does not exceed 2500 units.
• Many of these units also produce other useful products from Polyethylene films.
• The total number of plastic processing units (all types) in the country is only 13,000
  

Plastic processing units play a vital role in national economy beside major contributions to the exchequer.

POINT: Plastic bags are  produced in  most unsanitary conditions.

Counter Point:

• Virgin plastic bags are manufactured by high quality organised units whose quality products are also exported to developed countries like Germany & USA.
• Recycled jhabla bag manufacturers are in tiny, cottage, small & unorganised sector
• There is a need for Govt./MOEF/local authorities to provide adequate infrastructure like recyling zone & parks with common effluent treatment facilities
• Industry is committed to upgrade technology for better products & working conditions through ICPE
• 4 Industry is willing to work with local authorities in setting up central recycling plants / parks.

Let us support industry & enterprise. Let us not kill it by misconceived ideas

POINT: Plastic bags choke drains in monsoon resulting  in  floods

Counter Point:

• The root cause is dumping of all types of waste by public into open sewers & drains.
• Plastic bags form a miniscule % of the dumped waste. Other objects like waste tyres & rubber products, discarded footwear, metal cans, bricks, mortar and garbage have been found dumped in drains & sewers leading to chokage.
  

The solution lies in proper waste management & timely cleaning of sewers & drains before monsoons.

POINT: Plastic bags choke drains in monsoon resulting  in  floods

Counter Point:

• Ultra-thin carry bags are exported from India to Germany / other countries but these are not found littered on streets due to good civic sense and supportive waste management systems.
• Most countries have adopted two bin culture - segregating dry and wet garbage.
• Plastics industry in India has been pleading with local governments for proper segregation systems and provision of bins.
• This will help avoid littering and ensure recycling of waste plastics.
• Industry has already donated plastic bins in cities like Delhi and Calcutta.
• ICPE along with government is committed to launch public education campaigns to enhance civic sense.
• Government should consider harsh penalties and deterrents for littering.
  
  

Infrastructure and system support is a must for proper waste management. Remember, plastic do not litter but people do.