The Kerala Government decided to ban single-use plastic products from January 1, under the Prohibition Act, 1986. It was decided at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and is based on the recommendations of an expert technical committee. Those found violating the law will face steep fines.
Plastic manufacturers, wholesalers and small sellers who are found violating the law can be fined Rs 10,000 for their first offence. They would be fined Rs 25,000 if found violating the ban the second time. Failure to comply with the law for the third time would result in a fine of Rs 50,000, as well as cancellation of their work permit.
In this regard, the State has given more authority to the Pollution Control Board, giving them the responsibility to charge the fines.
The state-owned enterprises that have been exempted from the ban include the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (MILMA) and the Kerala State Beverages Corporation. However, companies have been asked to buy back the plastic bottles they sell. The state has also allowed the use of compostable plastic, as well as those used for medical purposes.
Items like plastic sheets, cooling films, plates, cups, thermocol and styrofoam for decorative purposes, single-use plastic cups, plates, spoons, forks, straws, dishes and stirrers, paper cups, plates, bowl with plastic coating, non-woven bags, plastic flags, plastic bunting, plastic water pouches, plastic juice packets, drinking pet bottles (below 300ml), plastic garbage bags, PVC flex materials and plastic packets have been banned.
According to the central Forest and Environment Ministry solid waste management rule, 5 per cent land of the industrial park should be kept for waste management. The state government has decided to implement this strictly.
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