Around 60% plastic waste is processed in Waste to Energy (WTE) plants and 18.2% is recycled, according to a CPCB report on alternatives of single use plastic
Almost a fifth of plastic waste generated in Delhi is dumped in landfills, says a report released by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Around 60% plastic waste is processed in Waste to Energy (WTE) plants and 18.2% is recycled, according to the report on alternatives of single use plastic.
Out of the 11,335 tonnes per day (TPD) municipal solid waste generated in Delhi, 1,145 TPD is plastic waste. A significant 635 TPD is single use plastic. The report, a compilation of presentations made during stakeholder workshop in March, cites the Delhi Environment Ministry’s presentation in bringing out the data.
The report claimed that in order to deal with the unprocessed plastic, introduction of more WTE plants are being planned. Currently there are four such plants in Delhi, one each in Ghazipur, Tehkhand, Okhla and Narela-Bawana. Another plant boasting a capacity of 3000 TPD in Narela-Bawana is set to become functional in April 2025. Moreover, the capacity of existing plant in Okhla is expected to be increased from 1950 TPD to 2650 TPD by the end of this year.
The problem of plastic pollution is not just limited to Delhi, it is a worldwide problem and hazardous to both human health and environment. Plastic breaks down into microplastics and emits toxic chemicals, which percolates into the soil and water, hence polluting them. A study shows that 23–37 million metric tonnes of plastic waste will enter the oceans every year by 2040, if similar trend is followed. We are at the crossroads and this calls for immediate action.
In this direction, Indian government banned single-use plastic in July 2022 and later in December, plastic carry bags were also banned.