Single-use plastics: Production and availability on the rise despite ban

Kozhikode: Despite ban on single-use plastic, it remains widely available in the market. The typical approach has been to reduce usage and ramp up inspections only when the issue gains public attention. Three years ago, the use of plastic bags in the city saw a decline, but inspections alone have proven insufficient as production persists.

Rs 63 lakhs imposed

Both the corporation squad and the district-level enforcement squad regularly conduct inspections. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the total levy amounted to Rs 63,09,700. 

During this period, authorities seized 9,760.29 kg of plastic. Within the corporation alone, 35 companies faced fines totaling Rs 2,62,770. The seized items included bags, paper cups with plastic coating, spoons, and thermocol products. Penalties are structured as Rs 10,000 for the first offense, Rs 25,000 for the second, and Rs 50,000 with license cancellation for the third. However, inspections often seem perfunctory.

Wide scale production

Many supermarkets initially transitioned to paper envelopes and cloth bags following the ban. This shift reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as plastic use surged in all sectors when restrictions were lifted.

Banned plastic often originates from outside the state and enters the market through illicit channels after tax payments. Despite seizures, these plastics still reach the market through the black market, with accusations that inspectors fail to intercept them.

There remains widespread confusion about which plastics should be avoided. Even with inorganic waste collection efforts through green waste programs, plastic bags frequently end up in water bodies. Officials emphasize that garbage only reaches water bodies due to improper disposal by the public.

Inorganic waste collection in corporation