In an article published on March 25, 2018 by the newspaper The Times of India, journalist Bhavika Jain reported that the government of the Indian state Maharashtra has extended the state’s plastic ban to the sale and manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles holding less than 0.5 liters (L). On March 23, 2018, the Maharashtra government issued the “Maharashtra plastic and thermocol products (manufacture, usage, sale, transport, handling and storage) notification, 2018” which specifies bans on plastic items such as, e.g., bags, dishes and cutlery, straws, plastic food packaging, decoration articles, and said PET bottles.
While PET bottles of less than 0.5 L capacity are banned, PET bottles holding 0.5 L, 1 L, or more will be subject to a deposit-return scheme that has to be developed by the bottle manufacturers, producers, sellers, and traders. Further, the notification sets out the establishment of a deposit-return scheme for milk pouches. Also, milk dairies have to make efforts to provide milk in alternative packaging such as glass bottles.
The notification takes effect from the date of publication in the Maharashtra Government Gazette. Traders, manufacturers, and consumers have one month to properly dispose of the banned items.
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Bhavika Jain (March 25, 2018). “Mumbai: Maharashtra extends plastic ban to sale and manufacture of PET bottles.” The Times of India
The Times of India (March 24, 2018). “Maharashtra: Ban comes into force, dispose of all plastic materials in a month.”
Faisal Malik (March 24, 2018). “Ban starts today, dispose of plastic items in a month.” Hindustan Times
Vishwas Waghmode (March 24, 2018). “Maharashtra bans plastic bags and single-use plastic items.” The Indian Express
DNA India (March 24, 2018). “Now, Maharashtra targets existing plastic stock too.”
Local Press Co (March 24, 2018). “Maharashtra plastic ban comes into effect: Everything you need to know.”
DNA India (March 25, 2018). “Maharashtra govt gives 1-month time to get rid of banned plastic products.”
Faisal Malik (March 26, 2018). “Maharashtra plastic ban: Local bodies, other govt agencies to levy fines, but how?” Hindustan Times
Rashmi Naidu (April 5, 2018). “Maharashtra joins growing list of Indian states banning plastics.” Chemical Watch
