Himachal Takes Strides Towards Effective Plastic Waste Management
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Brand Owners and Producers Register under
EPR Mechanism
Shimla, Aug 24 – In line with the directives of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Sh. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh is embarking on a proactive journey to enhance plastic waste management across the state. A significant step was taken on August 24, 2023, as a pivotal meeting was convened, uniting representatives from ACTION ALLIANCE FOR RECYCLING BEVERAGE CARTONS (AARC), PET PACKAGING ASSOCIATION FOR CLEAN ENVIRONMENT (PACE), and WASTE EFFICIENT COLLECTION AND RECYCLING EFFORTS (WE Care), who specialize in handling waste beverage cartons, PET bottles, and multi-layer plastics, respectively. The focus of this gathering was to establish an effective plastic waste management strategy in the state.
Heading this initiative, Sh. D.C Rana, IAS, Director of the Department of Environment, Science Technology & Climate Change, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, highlighted the substantial progress made thus far. A commendable 30 brand owners and producers have already registered in the state, although a considerable number are yet to be enrolled in this endeavor. During the meeting, representatives from AARC, WE Care, and PACE deliberated over various action points vital to the success of the project.
One of the core mechanisms discussed during the meeting was the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which focuses on the responsibilities of plastic waste processors operating in Himachal Pradesh. To streamline this process, these processors will be required to register in each district of the state. This endeavor seeks to foster greater awareness among producers, importers, and brand owners regarding their duty to register via the centralized portal developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, in collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board.
The implementation process within the state will involve the Regional Officers of the HP State Pollution Control Board. Their role will encompass verifying the information related to plastic waste credits in alignment with the plastic waste generated by producers, importers, and brand owners across Himachal Pradesh. This verification will be based on actual data, underscoring the state’s commitment to fostering sustainable and effective plastic waste management practices.
Himachal Pradesh’s concerted effort towards enhanced plastic waste management not only signifies the state’s dedication to environmental stewardship but also paves the way for a cleaner and greener future.
