The Maharashtra government is set to roll out a buyback scheme for waste plastic PET bottles and milk pouches. It’ll be the first state to implement a buyback depository system, joining 40 other nations. Soon, returning an empty milk pouch could fetch one 50 paise. Here’s a look at what this scheme is all about.
WHAT IS MAHARASHTRA’S PLASTIC DEPOSITORY SYSTEM?
Like some other states, one time use plastic and thermocol items have been banned under the Maharashtra Plastic & ThermocolProducts Act, 2018. But the Act also prescribes a first-of-its kind scheme in the country: A buyback plan for PET bottles and milk pouches. Under it, manufacturers should charge a refundable amount when a person buys a bottled or pouched product. The deposit will be refunded once the bottle is deposited with the retailer or with reverse-vending machines.
WHO BEARS THE COST?
The scheme puts the onus of collecting and recycling bottles and pouches on manufacturers.In fact, recycling was made a manufacturing licence norm in the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Manufacturers have to submit designs on how they propose to implement the scheme. Also, the onus of tying up
with recyclers is on manufacturers. Top beverage-makers, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Bisleri, have begun printing a buyback value on PET bottles
sold in Maharashtra to comply with the new regulations.
After banning plastic, Maharashtra readies with buyback sche ..
