India eases plastic waste management compliance, allows carry-forward and credit trading
India's latest amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules ease compliance for companies by allowing them to carry forward unfulfilled recycling targets for up to three years, provided they meet at least one-third of the deficit annually. The rules also formalize a system of tradable certificates, enabling companies to meet obligations by purchasing credits from others who exceed their targets. While headline recycling targets remain unchanged, these provisions offer flexibility, but also mean firms aren't strictly required to recycle their own plastic footprint. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, introduced in 2022, specifies collection targets and recycled content mandates for different plastic categories.
Key Points
- New amendments to Plastic Waste Management Rules allow companies to carry forward unfulfilled recycling targets for up to three years.
- A system of tradable certificates has been formalized, enabling companies to buy credits to meet their plastic waste management obligations.
- The amendments provide flexibility but may reduce the incentive for companies to recycle their own plastic waste.
- The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, introduced in 2022, sets collection targets and recycled content mandates for various plastic categories.
Exam Facts
- Rules: Plastic Waste Management Rules (amended March 31).
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework: Introduced in 2022.
- Target carry-forward: Up to three years (with 1/3 deficit met annually).
- Recycled content targets (2025-26): Rigid plastic (Category I) - 30%; Flexible plastics (Category II) - 10%; Multi-layered plastic (Category III) - 5%.
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