Single-Use Plastic Items Banned in State Offices

• 23 Jun 2022

Why in News?

• Recently, the Rajasthan government has banned the use of single-use plastic items from July 1 in all government offices. Orders in this regard have been issued by the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Key Points

• Shikhar Agarwal, Principal Secretary, Government of Environment and Climate Change informed that the banned items include all types of plastic carry bags, plastic/thermocol (polystyrene) disposable cutlery, such as bowls, trays, containers, etc., which are used for serving eatables/drinks and artificial flowers, banners, flags, vases and belly bottles.
• The order states that no government office shall use the above single-use plastic items and can use options like compostable plastic, bio-degradable plastic, natural fabrics, recycled paper material etc. which have less impact on environment.
• The department has issued the present order in accordance with the rules imposed earlier. The order states that the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016 have been notified for management of plastic in an environment-friendly manner.
• In order to comply with the provisions of these rules, the State Government has issued a notification on 21st July, 2010 to ban plastic carry bags completely in the State.
• The central government issued a notification on August 12, 2021, banning single-use plastic items with effect from July 1, 2022.