Dr. S.K . Verma presented an evaluation of the proposed bill banning ‘non-reusable’ plastics in TN The problem is not plastics, but improper waste management and the lack of awareness among the public, pointed out Dr. Sushil Kumar Verma, Director General, Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET) while addressing the media in Chennai recently. The press conference was organized by the Tamil Nadu Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (TAPMA) to present an evaluation of the proposed Bill.
“Almost all commonly used plastics are recyclable”, the polymer expert asserted. Therefore, plastics waste management requires segregation of plastic articles from the domestic and commercial garbage and send them to the recycler. Already 60 per cent of plastic waste is recycled. The public should be prevented from indiscriminately throwing away plastics on the streets after use and the Municipality has to create proper infrastructure to clear solid waste.

Burning plastics does not release dioxin:
Referring to the Tamil Nadu Government campaign that burning of plastics releases dioxins, Dr. A.N. Bhat, a polymer expert and Director General of Indian Centre for Plastics in Environment (ICPE) clarified that there is no truth in the statement. “ Burning plastics made of polyolefin (material that is used for making carry bags and other commonly used items such as cups, tumblers etc.) does not release dioxins in the atmosphere that causes cancer. Polyolefin products contain only Hydrogen and Carbon and when burnt they dissipate as carbon dioxide and water”, Dr. Bhat added.
Dr. Verma and Dr. Bhat said that the government of Tamil Nadu should invite experts from CIPET, ICPE, IIT and such other organizations before the Select Committee of the State Assembly that is likely to examine the Tamil Nadu Plastic Articles (Prohibition of sale, storage, transport and use) Bill. Scientific evidence and not emotional arguments should form the basis of such a legislation, which is likely to affect the life of common man. Members of TAPMA stated that the plastic industry is committed to working with the local administration, non-governmental organizations and citizens groups on disposal and recycling of plastic waste. Similarly, the industry would support a State-wide consumer awareness programme to promote segregation of municipal waste at source to facilitate recycling of plastics.