Degradable, Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic: NGT Bans Use of Non-Biodegradable Plastic Bags

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed an ban on use of non-biodegradable plastic bags less than 50 microns in the entire national capital Delhi with a fine of ₹ 5,000 on possession of non-biodegradable plastic bags less than 50 microns

Biodegradable vs Nonbiodegradable Bags

Understanding Degradable, Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic (Important)

  • Degradable Plastic: Degradable just means it can be broken down. Technically, all plastic is degradable plastic, as it can be mechanically broken down.
  • Biodegradable Plastic. Biodegradable plastic can be digested- carbon atoms in the chains of the polymer can be broken apart and create other organic molecules. Thus, it can be broken down by the metabolism of microorganisms.
  • Compostable Plastic. Compostable plastic not only it biodegrades, but it also will degrade within a certain amount of time, under certain conditions. Many types of bioplastic will break down “eventually” , but if biodegradable plastic completely biodegrades fast enough in a certain type of environment, then it can be labelled “compostable.”

NGT Order

  • Ordered Delhi government to seize stock of the banned plastic bags within a week
  • Assked Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Delhi Government to file an affidavit on steps taken to implement the ban.
  • Imposed an environment compensation of ₹ 10,000 on vegetable vendors and slaughter houses for throwing garbage in public places.

Plastic Waste

  • Non-biodegradable plastic waste one of the major source of environmental pollution
  • doesn՚t decay naturally.
  • Bags less than 50 microns thick have zero reusable value
  • They choke drains, water-bodies and load already-exhausted landfill sites, and are eaten by cattle causing death due to choking.
  • Market share of plastic bags less than 50 microns not more than 25% .
  • Mostly made by unregistered units and are sold as cheaper products.

Earlier Orders and Rules

  • Garbage bags used at homes are above 50 microns- Their use and manufacturing already banned under the Plastic Management Handling Rules, 2016.
  • The NGT in 2017 banned the use of disposable plastic in Delhi and NCR with effect from January 1,2017 directing the city government to reduce dumped waste.

Examrace Team at Aug 21, 2021