THIRUVANANTHPURAM: The State Cabinet on Thursday decided to enforce total ban on the use, manufacture and sale of single use plastic material from January 1, 2020.
The decision to ban single use plastic was taken in view of the dumping of the material after use leading to health and environment problems.
The following items have been banned; plastic carry bags irrespective of the weight, plastic sheets used for covering table, cooling film, plates, cups, thermocol and decorative items made of Styrofoam.
Single use plastic cups, plates, spoons, forks, straw, dish, stirrer, paper cups with plastic coating, bowl, non woven bags, plastic flags, plastic buntings, plastic water pouches, plastic juice packets, pet bottles (less than 300 ml), plastic garb-age bags, PVC flex materials and plastic packets .
Stringent action will be taken under Environment Conservation Act 1986. Collectors, sub divisional magistrate, officials depl-oyed by Pollution Control Board , local bodies secretaries, Central government officials appointed under Environment Protection Act have the powers to take action. There is provision for impose a fine of `10,000 on plastic manufacturers...
, whole sale distributors and small scale dealers. If they violate the rule second time the fine will be Rs 25,000. Subsequent violation will invite Rs 50,000 fine. Besides, the sanction for production and operations will be cancelled. Local bodies’ secretaries and pollution control board officials have been given powers to take action.
Beverages Corporation, Kerafed, Milma and Kerala Water Authority are liable to take back used bottles, plastic packets used for selling their products and pay for the same under the Extended Producers Responsibility Plan.
