Local self-government bodies (LSGs) in Kerala face a significant challenge in managing unsegregated plastic waste. LSGs are supposed to pay Rs 10 per kg to the Clean Kerala Company for transporting such unsegregated waste. However, LSGs currently owe around Rs 3 Crore to the company, leading to a halt in the collection of plastic from various locations.

The Haritha Karma Sena, a group responsible for collecting non-biodegradable waste from homes and instituions, is facing difficulties in segregating the waste collected. This issue has resulted in unsegregated waste piling up at various Material Collection Facilities (MCFs) across the State.

Kerala has 1,320 storage units, but approximately 600 of these MCFs are less than 1,000 square feet in size. According to the estimates, at least 2,500 square feet is required for effective waste management operations in the State.

The inability to properly classify and segregate waste has significantly impacted the Haritha Karma Sena's income. Up to 60 percent of the sorted waste previously served as a source of revenue. With the decrease in income, the efficacy of their waste management efforts has diminished.

In some cases, the unsegregated plastic waste is being used as fuel in cement factories.