One-time use plastic banned from Jan 1; use alternatives only

Thiruvananthapuram: One-time use plastic varieties are banned from Wednesday onwards. The individuals, companies, institutions or industries that manufacture, sell or carry banned plastic will be fined.

When the rule is violated for the first time, a fine of Rs 10,000 will be charged. If the offence is repeated for the second time, the fine will be Rs 25,000 and for third time, fine will be Rs 50,000. No action will be taken till January 15. Later, the authorities will proceed to further actions. Detailed guidelines in this regard will be issued by the environment department.

Kudumbashree will introduce over 70,000 cloth bags as an alternative to plastic. A total of 19 plastic items are banned in the 225 tourism accommodation units in the state. Kumarakom will be announced as the first complete plastic-free tourism centre later this month.

Banned

Carry bags, table spread, one-time use plates, cups and cutleries, decorative pieces made of thermocol and Styrofoam, plastic coated paper cup, plate and bowl, plastic flags and hangings, non-woven bags, plastic water and juice packets (branded juice packets will be taken back), water bottles less than 300 mm, plastic garbage bag, PVC flex, plastic packets.

Not banned

Plastic objects for export, plastic equipment in healthcare industry, plastic tools or machines, ISI or ISO labelled products made from compostable plastic (product packets sold by BevCo, Kerafed, Milma and water authority should be taken back).

Alternatives

Cloth bag, plates and cutleries made of areca nut leaf, banana leaf, paper straws, steel vessels, glass utensils, clay bowls, flags made of cloth, bamboo products, cardboard.