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What is Solid Waste
Solid waste, or municipal solid waste, encompasses various materials such as paper, food waste, plastics, glass, metals, rubber, leather, and textiles.
Solid waste management involves the collection and treatment of these wastes, including recycling items that can be reused.
Open burning of solid waste is a common practice to reduce volume, but it often leads to incomplete burning and can create environmental hazards.
Open dumps, used in the past, are breeding grounds for pests like rats and flies.
Sanitary landfills are alternatives to open dumps. Waste is compacted and deposited into trenches or depressions, then covered with soil daily.
However, landfills are limited in capacity, and the increasing waste generation, especially in urban areas, is quickly filling them up.
Additionally, there’s a risk of chemical seepage from landfills contaminating groundwater.
Sources of Solid Waste
Industrial Solid Wastes
Industrial solid wastes include various byproducts generated from industrial processes. Some examples are:
Coal ash or fly ash from thermal power plants
Blast furnace slag from integrated iron and steel mills
Red mud and tailings from non-ferrous industries like aluminium, copper, and zinc production
Press mud from sugar industries
Lime mud from pulp and paper industries
Gypsum from fertiliser and allied industries
Plastic Waste in Road Construction
Plastic waste can be repurposed for road construction by creating a blend called Polyblend.
This blend consists of finely powdered recycled and modified plastic waste mixed with bitumen, which is commonly used in road paving.
By incorporating Polyblend into road construction, the bitumen’s water repellent properties are enhanced, resulting in roads that last up to three times longer than those constructed using traditional methods.
Residential Waste
Residential waste refers to the garbage generated from homes and residences where people live.
This waste typically includes a variety of materials such as food scraps, plastics, paper, glass, leather, and household items like electronics, tires, batteries, old mattresses, and used oil.
Commercial Waste
Commercial waste refers to the solid waste generated by commercial facilities and buildings.
This type of waste includes various materials such as plastics, food scraps, metals, paper, glass, wood, cardboard, and special wastes.
Commercial establishments contribute to the solid waste stream due to their operations and activities.
Construction & Demolition Sites
Construction and demolition sites are significant contributors to the solid waste issue.
These sites encompass various activities such as new construction, road repair, building renovation, and demolition.
Solid wastes generated at these sites include materials like steel, concrete, wood, plastics, rubber, copper wires, dirt, and glass.
Bio-Medical Waste
Bio-medical waste mainly originates from hospitals, biomedical equipment, and chemical manufacturing firms.
In hospitals, various types of solid wastes are produced, including syringes, bandages, used gloves, drugs, paper, plastics, food wastes, and chemicals.
Proper disposal of these wastes is crucial to prevent environmental and health hazards.
Effects of Plastic Waste
Impact on Environment
Conventional plastics have severe environmental impacts across their lifecycle.
Plastic bag garbage pollutes the land, making it unsightly and unhygienic.
Both humans and wildlife can experience reproductive issues due to exposure to conventional plastics.
Dioxins, highly carcinogenic and toxic chemicals, are
produced during plastic manufacturing and released into the environment.
Burning plastics, especially PVC, also releases dioxin and furan into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution.
Contamination: Plastic bags can contaminate foodstuffs through leaching of toxic dyes and transfer of pathogens. Improper disposal leads to clogged drains, blocked soil porosity, and groundwater pollution.
Animals mistake plastic garbage for food, leading to ingestion and death. Plastic also disrupts soil microbe activity and affects soil fertility.
Microplastics are now an Atmospheric Pollutant
Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments less than 5 mm in length, have emerged as a significant environmental pollutant. Researchers found substantial amounts of microplastics in Arctic snow, indicating widespread contamination.
Up to 12 million tonnes of plastics enter the oceans annually, with plastic fragments discovered even in deep-sea animals’ guts.
Studies have detected microplastics in groundwater in the US.
The average person may ingest around 50,000 particles of microplastics annually through food consumption.
Microplastics originate from various sources, including larger plastic debris and microbeads used in health and beauty products.
Despite efforts, 90% of plastic waste remains unrecycled, contributing significantly to microplastic pollution.
WHO Findings: The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that current levels of microplastics in drinking water are not yet dangerous for human health but highlighted the need for further research.
While larger microplastics are unlikely to be absorbed by the body, smaller particles, including nano-sized plastics, may have a higher absorption rate, warranting continued investigation.
Other Impacts
Health Risks: Inadequate waste management may result in health issues such as skin irritations, respiratory problems, infections, and reproductive disorders due to exposure to harmful substances.
Soil and Groundwater Contamination: Improper disposal of waste can lead to pollution of soil and groundwater, affecting agricultural productivity and posing risks to human health through contaminated water sources.
Harm to Land and Aquatic Animals: Marine animals are often harmed by ingesting plastic waste like styrofoam and cigarette butts. Additionally, toxins from waste can leach into the soil, posing poisoning risks to animals consuming grasses near contaminated areas or landfills.
Issues with Treatment & Disposal of Solid Waste
Open Dumps
Open dumps are uncovered areas where all types of solid waste are dumped without treatment or segregation. They become breeding grounds for disease-spreading insects and rodents like flies and rats. Rainwater runoff from these dumps can contaminate nearby land and water sources, further spreading diseases.
Landfills
Landfills are pits dug into the ground where garbage is dumped and covered with soil daily to prevent the breeding of insects and rodents. However, all types of waste are dumped here, leading to contamination of groundwater and soil through leaching when water seeps through the waste.
Sanitary Landfills
Sanitary landfills are more hygienic and systematically constructed to prevent leaching. They are lined with impermeable materials such as plastics and clay and built over impermeable soil. Despite being more effective, constructing sanitary landfills is costly.
Incineration Plants
Incineration involves burning waste in large furnaces at high temperatures. While recyclable materials are segregated, the rest are burned, producing toxic ash and polluting the air and water. Incineration is mainly used for treating infectious waste due to its environmental impact.
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is a combustion process conducted in the absence of oxygen or under controlled oxygen levels. It is an alternative to incineration and can produce useful products like fuel gas, tar, and liquid fuels from carbonaceous wastes.
Composting: Composting is a biological process where microorganisms decompose organic waste into a humus-like substance in the presence of oxygen. The resulting compost is rich in nutrients and improves soil fertility, water retention,
and nutrient content, making it ideal for plant growth.
Vermiculture
Vermiculture, also known as earthworm farming, involves adding earthworms to compost piles. The worms break down the waste, and their excreta enriches the compost with nutrients, making it highly beneficial for soil health and plant growth.
Inadequate Infrastructure
Urban local bodies (ULBs) are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in cities and towns as per the 12th Schedule of the 74th Constitution Amendment Act of 1992. However, many ULBs lack adequate infrastructure, face financial constraints, and suffer from poor institutional capacity and a lack of
political will, hindering effective waste management.
Waste to Energy Plant
Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants are facilities that convert waste into energy in the form of electricity and/or heat.
Step 1: Biodegradable or wet waste is segregated from dry waste at the source.
Step 2: Wet waste can be used to produce compost and biogas in bio-methanation plants.
Step 3: Dry waste, after removing recyclable elements, is sent to waste-to-energy plants.
The inorganic material (dry waste) is processed into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), which has a calorific value of approximately 2,500 kJ/kg.
RDF, sourced mainly from industrial or commercial sites, is burned to produce electricity, making it a renewable energy source that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and foreign countries.
Advantages of WTE Plants:
Reduction in dependence on fossil fuels and foreign countries.
Dual purpose served: waste-to-energy conversion and reduction in waste volume for disposal.
Minimisation of land required for waste disposal.
Clean and renewable energy generation.
Challenges Associated with Waste-to-Energy plants in India:
High operational costs due to reliance on foreign technology.
Nature of waste: Indian Municipal Solid Waste has higher moisture and inert content, making it less suitable for WTE plants.
Lack of segregation at source increases costs for sieving collected waste.
Low calorific value of electricity generation due to sticky silt and soil particles in the waste.
Higher power tariffs compared to other energy sources like coal.
Solid Waste Management Rules (2016)
The Solid Waste Management Rules (2016) replaced the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000.
The rules extend beyond municipal areas to cover urban agglomerations as well.
Generator Responsibilities:
The rules introduce responsibilities for waste generators to segregate waste into three streams before handing it over to collectors:
Wet waste (biodegradable)
Dry waste (plastic, paper, metal, wood, etc.)
Domestic hazardous wastes (diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents, mosquito repellents, etc.)
Segregation at Source
Segregation at source refers to the practice of separating different types of waste at the point where it is generated.
Source segregation is mandated to facilitate the recovery, reuse, and recycling of waste.
Organisers of events or gatherings with more than 100 persons are required to ensure segregation of waste at the source. They must hand over segregated waste to designated waste collectors or agencies specified by the local authority.
All hotels and restaurants are obligated to segregate biodegradable waste and establish a collection system to ensure that such food waste is utilised for composting or biomethanation.
Resident welfare associations, market associations, and gated communities with an area exceeding 5,000 sq m must segregate waste at the source into categories like plastic, tin, glass, paper, and others. Recyclable materials should be handed over to Authorised waste-pickers and recyclers or to the urban local body.
Collect Back Scheme for Packaging Waste
As per the rules, brand owners who sell or market their products in packaging materials which are non-biodegradable, should put in place a system to collect back the packaging waste generated due to their production.
User Fees for Collection
Municipal authorities will charge user fees for the collection, disposal, and processing of waste from bulk generators. The generator will also be fined for littering and non-segregation, the amount of which will be determined by local bodies.
Waste Processing & Treatment
Biodegradable waste must be processed and treated through composting or bio-methanation.
Old and abandoned dump sites must undergo bio- remediation or capping within 5 years.
Waste processing facilities must be established by all local bodieswithinspecifiedtimeframes based on population size.
Population of 1 million or more – Within 2 years.
Population below 1 million – Within 3 years.
Population under 0.5 million – Common or regional sanitary landfills to be set up by all local bodies and census towns which will have to be completed in 3 years.
Developers of industrial zones must allocate a portion of their land for recovery and recycling facilities.
Promotion of Waste to Energy:
Industrial units within 100 km of a solid waste-based RDF plant must replace at least 5% of their fuel requirement with RDF within six months.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy should support infrastructure development for Waste to Energy plants and provide subsidies or incentives.
Revision of Parameters:
Landfills must be located 100 meters away from rivers,
200 meters from ponds, and 20 km away from airports/ airbases. They must also be situated 500 meters away from highways, and 200 meters away from habitations, public parks, and water supply wells.
Parameters for dioxins and furans have been included in emission standards.
Limits for particulate matters have been reduced from 150 to 100, and now further to 50.
Compost standards have been updated to align with the Fertiliser Control Order, ensuring consistency and quality in compost production and usage.
Constitution of Central Monitoring Committee:
A Central Monitoring Committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has been established.
This committee is responsible for overseeing the overall implementation of the rules related to solid waste management.
Promoting the Use of Compost:
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers will offer market development assistance for city compost, encouraging its use.
The Ministry of Agriculture will introduce flexibility in the Fertiliser Control Order to facilitate the manufacturing and sale of compost.
Additionally, efforts will be made to promote the use of compost on farmland.
Labouratories will be set up to test the quality of compost produced by local authorities or their Authorised agencies (ensuring its effectiveness and safety for agricultural use).
Some other Features of the Solid Waste Management Rules Include
State governments will integrate rag pickers, waste pickers, and kabadiwalas from the informal sector into the formal waste management sector. This aims to provide them with better opportunities and recognition for their work.
There will be strict enforcement of zero tolerance policies against the improper disposal of solid waste. This includes measures to prevent throwing, burning, or burying waste in streets, open public spaces, drains, or water bodies outside the generator’s premises.
Manufacturers or brand owners of sanitary napkins are held responsible for raising awareness about the proper disposal of such waste among consumers. This encourages responsible waste management practices among users.
Land for the construction of sanitary landfills in hilly areas will be identified within plain areas, located within a radius of 25 kilometers. This ensures that suitable sites are designated for waste disposal facilities to manage solid waste effectively.
BIO-MEDICAL WASTE (MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING) RULES, 2016
Salient Features of BMW Management Rules, 2016
The Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016, aim to improve the management of biomedical waste generated by healthcare facilities.
Phase-out of Chlorinated Plastic
The use of chlorinated plastic bags, gloves, and blood bags will be phased out within two years to reduce environmental impact and improve safety.
Pre-treatment of Labouratory Waste
Labouratory waste, microbiological waste, and blood samples will undergo on-site sterilisation as a pre-treatment measure to minimise risks associated with biomedical waste.
Implementation of Bar-Code System
A bar-code system will be established for bags or containers containing biomedical waste to enhance tracking and disposal procedures.
Classification of Biomedical Waste
Biomedical waste has been classified into four categories instead of ten for simplifying the segregation process at the source and improving efficiency in waste management.
Establishment of Common Treatment Facilities
State governments are mandated to provide land for the establishment of common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facilities to ensure proper management of waste.
Restriction on On-Site Treatment Facilities
Healthcare facilities are prohibited from establishing on- site treatment and disposal facilities if a common service is available within a distance of seventy-five kilometers. This encourages the use of centralised treatment facilities.
Timely Collection by Treatment Facilities
Operators of common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facilities must ensure timely collection of waste from healthcare facilities to prevent accumulation and mitigate risks.
Inclusion of Special Events
Special events such as vaccination camps and blood donation camps are brought under the purview of these rules to ensure proper management of biomedical waste generated during such activities.
Procedure to be followed
The Procedure to be followed for the Effective Disposal of Biomedical waste Involves Several Steps
Hospitals must establish mechanisms for the effective disposal of biomedical waste. This can be done either directly or through common biomedical waste treatment
and disposal facilities.
Hospitals servicing 1000 patients or more per month are required to obtain Authorisation for biomedical waste management. This ensures compliance with regulations and standards.
Biomedical waste should be segregated into categories as specified by the rules. For example, syringes, needles, and blood-soiled bandages should be disposed of in a red-coloured bag or bin.
Waste containing body fluids or other hazardous materials should be incinerated. Incineration involves the destruction of waste materials through burning, ensuring complete disposal and minimising the risk of contamination.
Problems of Unscientific Bio-medical Waste Disposal
Mixing Hazardous Waste: When hazardous waste mixes with non-hazardous waste, it contaminates everything, making the entire waste hazardous.
Health Risks: Improper disposal can lead to diseases in both animals and humans because it exposes them to harmful pathogens and chemicals.
Encourages Unsafe Recycling: Disposing of biomedical waste improperly can lead to recycling of items and drugs that should be discarded, spreading infections further.
Creates Resistant Microorganisms: Improper disposal practices can contribute to the development of microorganisms that are resistant to treatments, making diseases harder to manage.
Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities
CBMWTFs: These are places where biomedical waste is safely treated and disposed of. In India, there are currently around 200 such facilities, but this number is not enough.
COVID-19 Impact: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recognised the importance of CBMWTFs in controlling the spread of the coronavirus. They’ve ordered that, places like isolation wards, sample collection centers, and labouratories must have separate bins for COVID-19 waste, which should be identified for priority treatment and disposal at these facilities.
Lack of Progress: Despite directions from the Supreme Court regarding solid waste management, states have made little progress in this regard, according to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Waste Minimisation Circles (WMC)
These are programs designed to help small and medium industrial clusters reduce waste in their plants.
The World Bank and the Ministry of Environment and Forests are involved in this initiative, with the ministry serving as the main coordinating body.
The National Productivity Council (NPC) in New Delhi is leading the implementation of this project.
The initiative aims to achieve the goals outlined in the Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution (1992). This
policy emphasises the importance of educating citizens about environmental risks, economic and health hazards of resource degradation, and the real cost of natural resources. It also recognises the role of citizens and non-governmental
organisations in environmental monitoring, allowing them to complement regulatory systems and acknowledge their
expertise and vigilance in cost-effective ways.
Composite Waste Management Index: 2.0
CMMI 2.0: This index is released by NITI Aayog, a policy think tank in India.
The index aims to encourage states and Union Territories (UTs) to efficiently and optimally manage waste, particularly water usage.
It provides valuable information for states and relevant central ministries/departments to improve waste management practices.
Gujarat ranked first, followed by Andhra Pradesh.
For the first time, Union Territories submitted their data, with Puducherry securing the top rank.
Around 80% of the states assessed on the index are showing improvement in their waste management practices.
Hazardous Waste
A hazardous substance is any material found in the environment or released into it that poses significant risks to public health and the environment.
These substances can exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:
Toxicity: Capable of causing harm or illness to humans, animals, or ecosystems through exposure.
Ignitability: Easily capable of catching fire under certain conditions.
Corrosivity: Able to corrode or eat away at materials or living tissues.
Reactivity (explosive): Prone to reacting violently or explosively under specific conditions.
Therefore, any waste containing hazardous or very hazardous substances is classified as hazardous waste. Such waste can originate from a variety of sources, including households, local areas, urban environments, industries, agriculture, construction activities, hospitals and labouratories, power plants, and other sources.
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is a significant international environmental treaty.
It came into effect in 2004 and aims to address the issue of persistent organic pollutants.
The convention seeks to eliminate or restrict the
production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Persistent organic pollutants are defined as chemical substances that:
Persist in the environment for long periods.
Bioaccumulate through the food web, meaning they build up in the tissues of organisms.
Pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment.
Important Listed Substances
These substances are listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment:
Aldrin: Used as an insecticide, particularly in agriculture to control pests.
Heptachlor: Utilised as a termiticide for termite control in structures like houses and underground, as well as for organic treatment and in underground cable boxes.
Hexachlorobenzene: Used as a chemical intermediate and solvent for pesticides.
Endrin: Primarily used as an agricultural insecticide on various crops such as tobacco, apple trees, cotton, sugar cane, rice, cereal, and grains.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): Originally used for their chemical stability and physical properties such as low flammability and electrical insulating properties, but now known to be highly toxic.
DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane): One of the most well-known chlorine-containing pesticides used extensively in the mid-20th century for controlling insect pests.
Basel Convention
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal is an important international treaty.
It entered into force in 1992 and aims to regulate the movement and disposal of hazardous wastes across national borders.
As of 2018, 186 states and the European Union are parties to the Convention.
Although the United States has signed the Convention, it has not ratified it.
The Basel Convention focuses on reducing the transfer of hazardous waste between nations and preventing the movement of such waste from developed to less developed countries (LDCs).
Notably, the Convention does not cover the movement of radioactive waste.
Additionally, the Basel Convention seeks to minimise the quantity and toxicity of wastes generated globally and to assist LDCs in managing their hazardous and other wastes in an environmentally sound manner.
Shortcomings of Basel Convention: Toxic Colonialism in the name of Recycling
The Basel Convention has been criticised for several shortcomings, particularly regarding its approach to regulating hazardous waste.
The Convention focuses primarily on regulating the trade of hazardous waste rather than advocating for its complete ban.
While the Basel Convention prohibits waste exports to Antarctica, it does not explicitly prohibit exports to other locations. Instead, it relies on a notification and consent system called “prior informed consent” (PIC).
Many waste traders exploit loopholes in the Basel Convention by shipping hazardous waste under the pretense of recycling. This often leads to hazardous waste being improperly handled, such as electronic waste being stripped in unsafe conditions by unprotected workers.
Recycling activities associated with hazardous waste, such as shipbreaking and electronic waste stripping, pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. Workers engaged in these activities are often desperate and unprotected, leading to occupational hazards and diseases.
Hazardous wastes, including old ships, asbestos, and flammable gases and oils, often end up on beaches in South Asia due to lax regulations and enforcement. This contributes to pollution and poses health hazards to local communities.
Basel Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention
The Basel Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention represents a significant step towards addressing the global trade of hazardous waste.
Many believed that a comprehensive ban on the shipment of hazardous waste, including exports for recycling, was necessary to protect human health and the environment.
In 1995, an amendment to the Basel Convention, known as the Basel Ban Amendment, was adopted to address these concerns.
The Basel Ban Amendment required ratification by three-fourths of the parties to the Convention in order to become a binding law.
After years of advocacy and efforts, the Basel Ban Amendment finally became an international law in September 2019, following ratification by Croatia,
becoming the 97th country to do so.
The Basel Ban Amendment prohibits the export of hazardous waste, including electronic waste, from a list of developed countries (mostly OECD countries) to developing countries, regardless of the reason for export,
including recycling.
Despite the entry into force of the Basel Ban Amendment, several countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia,
India, Brazil, and Mexico, are yet to ratify the ban. The United States, in particular, has been a vocal opponent of the Ban Amendment.
The Basel Ban Amendment is hailed as a landmark agreement for global environmental justice, aiming to prevent the transfer of hazardous waste from developed to developing countries, thereby promoting more equitable and sustainable waste management practices worldwide.
Rotterdam Convention
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade is a multilateral treaty with the following key features:
Shared responsibilities: The convention aims to promote shared responsibilities among nations regarding the importation of hazardous chemicals and pesticides.
It encourages an open exchange of information between exporting and importing countries about hazardous chemicals and pesticides being traded internationally.
Exporters are required to use proper labeling and safe handling practices for hazardous chemicals and pesticides. They must also inform purchasers of any known restrictions or bans on the chemicals.
Signatory nations have the authority to decide whether to allow or ban the importation of chemicals listed in the treaty. This process involves obtaining prior informed consent from the importing country before exporting the chemicals.
Joint meetings of Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (Geneva)
The joint meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm conventions on chemicals and waste took place in Geneva. Here are the key components of these meetings:
COP14 to Basel Convention: The Conference of the Parties (COP) 14 to the Basel Convention focused on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal.
COP9 to Rotterdam Convention: The Conference of the Parties (COP) 9 to the Rotterdam Convention centered on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade.
COP9 to Stockholm Convention: The Conference of the Parties (COP) 9 to the Stockholm Convention addressed persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This convention targets the elimination or restriction of the production, use, and release of POPs, which are harmful to human
health and the environment.
The theme of these joint meetings was “Clean Planet, Healthy People: Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste.”
COP14 to Basel Convention
The COP14 to the Basel Convention made significant amendments to the convention, particularly regarding the regulation of plastic waste.
The convention was amended to include plastic waste within a legally-binding framework. This means that plastic waste is now subject to the regulations and provisions outlined in the Basel Convention.
The new amendment empowers developing countries to refuse the “dumping” of plastic waste by other nations. Plastic waste is now included in the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure, giving importing countries the ability to make informed decisions about accepting such waste.
Countries that have ratified the amendment, including many developing nations, now have the authority to refuse shipments of plastic waste from countries that are not part of the agreement. This means that countries like the United States, which have not signed the accord, cannot export plastic waste to countries that have ratified the amendment.
India has taken proactive steps in response to the Basel Convention amendment. The country has imposed a complete prohibition on the import of solid plastic waste, demonstrating its commitment to managing plastic waste domestically. Additionally, India has made international commitments to phase out single-use plastic, further addressing the issue of plastic pollution.
COP9 to Stockholm Convention
At the COP9 to the Stockholm Convention, several decisions were made regarding the listing of certain chemicals:
Dicofol: The COP decided to list Dicofol in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention without any exemptions. Dicofol is an organochlorine pesticide that is chemically related to DDT. It has been widely used in various industrial and domestic applications, including non-stick cookware, food processing equipment, carpets, paper, and paints.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): PFOA was also listed in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, but with some exemptions. PFOA is primarily used in the production of Teflon, which is commonly used in non-stick cookware. PFOA is known to persist in the environment and in the human body for extended periods. It is classified as a carcinogen, liver toxicant, developmental toxicant, and immune system toxicant.
COP9 to Rotterdam Convention
At the COP9 to the Rotterdam Convention, two new chemicals were added to the list for mandatory Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure in international trade:
Acetochlor
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
Additionally, phorate, another chemical, was also added to the list for mandatory PIC procedure. Phorate is an organophosphate insecticide used in agriculture.
Recycling of ships bill
The Parliament has passed “The Recycling of Ships Bill 2019,” which aims to regulate the environmentally sound recycling of ships and ensure the safety of yard workers involved in shipbreaking activities.
Features of the bill include:
Environmentally sound recycling: The bill aims to promote environmentally sound practices in the recycling of ships.
Safety of yard workers: The bill includes provisions to ensure the safety and well-being of workers involved in shipbreaking activities.
Incorporation of existing regulations: The bill incorporates provisions from the Shipbreaking Code, 2013, and aligns with the requirements of the Hong Kong Convention.
Key Features of the Recycling of Ships Bill
The Recycling of Ships Bill encompasses several key features aimed at regulating ship recycling practices:
Ship Recycling Definition
The bill defines ship recycling as the dismantling of a ship at a facility to recover components and materials for reuse while ensuring proper handling of hazardous materials.
Requirements for Ships
Ships must not use prohibited hazardous materials, unless exempted by the central government. Certain categories of ships, such as warships and those with an internal volume of less than 500 tonnes, are exempt from these requirements.
National Authority
A National Authority will conduct periodic surveys to verify compliance with prescribed requirements. Ship owners must apply for a certificate on the inventory of hazardous materials from this authority.
Penalties for Using Hazardous Materials
Using hazardous materials in ships is punishable with imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to five lakh rupees, or both.
Recycling Facilities
Ships can only be recycled in Authorised recycling facilities, which must maintain measures for emergency preparedness and worker safety.
Recycling Process
Ship owners must obtain a “ready for recycling” certificate from the National Authority before recycling. Recyclers must prepare a recycling plan approved by the Competent Authority, and written permission from this authority is required for each ship to be recycled.
Environmental Compliance
Recyclers must ensure safe and environmentally sound removal and management of hazardous materials, as well as compliance with specified environmental regulations. Non- compliance may result in liability for environmental damages and cleanup operation compensation.
Key Benefits of the bill
The Recycling of Ships Bill offers several key benefits:
Increased Global Ship Recycling: The bill is expected to attract more global ships to Indian shipyards for recycling.
Boost to Business and Employment: Ship recycling activities will create business opportunities and generate employment.
Enhanced Value of Ship Recycling Yards: The bill will elevate the value of Indian ship recycling yards located in Alang (Gujarat), Mumbai Port, Kolkata Port, and Azhikkal (Kerala), positioning them as competitive players in the international ship recycling market.
Eco-friendly Steel Production: Recycling ships will facilitate the extraction of steel from ship components in an environmentally friendly manner. This could potentially meet up to 10% of the country’s secondary steel needs.
Compliance with International Standards: The bill will ensure that ship recycling facilities in India adhere to international standards.
Hong Kong Convention for Safe & Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling
The Hong Kong Convention was adopted in 2009 as a collabourative effort involving the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and the Parties to the Basel Convention.
The convention aims to tackle a wide range of issues concerning ship recycling, including the handling of environmentally hazardous substances such as asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, ozone-depleting substances, and others.
One of the primary objectives of the convention is to ensure safe and environmentally sound practices in ship recycling activities. This involves minimising the environmental impact of ship dismantling processes and promoting the proper management of hazardous materials and pollutants.
The convention also addresses concerns about working conditions in ship recycling facilities worldwide. By establishing guidelines and standards for worker safety and welfare, it seeks to improve working conditions and promote better labour practices in the ship recycling industry.
Rules for Disposal of Cigarette Butts
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the board to establish guidelines for the disposal of cigarette and beedi butts within three months. Despite the Environment Ministry’s assertion that cigarette butts were not classified as hazardous, the Health Ministry contended that they were non-biodegradable.
Key findings Include
Composition: Cigarette butts primarily consist of cellulose acetate, comprising around 95% of their composition, alongside wrapping paper and rayon.
Lack of Toxicity Data: There is a general absence of toxicity data available for cellulose acetate, the predominant component in cigarette butts.
Persistence: Cellulose acetate is known to persist in the environment for an extended duration, indicating its slow degradation process.
In light of these findings, guidelines for the disposal of cigarette and beedi butts are crucial to address environmental concerns and ensure proper waste management practices.
STEPS TAKEN TO CONTROL TOBACCO CONSUMPTION
mCessation Programme
The mCessation Programme was introduced in India in 2016 as part of the Digital India initiative. This program Utilises text messages to assist individuals in quitting tobacco use. It operates through two-way messaging, allowing interaction between the individual seeking to quit and program specialists who provide dynamic support.
World No Tobacco Day
World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31st by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its global partners. This day serves as a reminder of the health risks associated with tobacco use and aims to promote tobacco cessation efforts worldwide.
Strong Graphic Warning on Tobacco Products
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been advocating for stronger graphic health warnings on tobacco products since 2007. These warnings are intended to convey the health risks of tobacco use through visual imagery. However, the implementation of such warnings has faced
challenges and achieved varying levels of success.
National Tobacco Control Programme
The National Tobacco Control Programme was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2007-08. Its objectives include facilitating the effective implementation of tobacco control laws, raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco, and fulfilling obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC).
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO- FCTC)
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) is the first international treaty negotiated
under the World Health Organisation. It was developed to address the global tobacco epidemic and is based on scientific evidence. The treaty reaffirms the right of all individuals to the highest standard of health. India ratified the WHO-FCTC in 2004, demonstrating its commitment to tobacco control measures at the international level.
Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016
For the first time, the rules distinguished between hazardous waste and other types of waste. Other wastes, such as waste
tires, paper waste, metal scrap, and used electronic items, were recognised as resources for recycling and reuse.
Salient Features
Expanded Scope: The rules expanded their scope by including “Other Waste” within their ambit.
Waste Management Hierarchy: The rules incorporated a waste management hierarchy, prioritising prevention, minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery, co-processing, and safe disposal in that order.
Encouragement of Recycling and Reuse: The rules aimed to encourage the reduction of hazardous waste generation and promote its recycling and reuse.
Strict Guidelines: The rules specified strict guidelines concerning the import, export, storage, and transportation of hazardous wastes. These guidelines were intended to ensure optimal waste management practices throughout the transportation, storage, and disposal processes.
Prohibitions and Re-exportation: Specific hazardous wastes mentioned in the rules were not permitted to be imported. If any import was deemed illegal, the importer was required to re-export the waste within 90 days of its arrival in India, at their own expense.
Import and Export of Hazardous Waste
India prohibits the import of hazardous waste for final disposal, meaning that hazardous waste is only imported for recycling, reuse, or other purposes.
The rules outline the procedure for importing and exporting hazardous waste to and from India.
Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility for Hazardous Wastes
The 2016 rules provide clear guidelines for establishing facilities for the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes.
The Central Pollution Control Board has issued guidelines for setting up such facilities, and permission from the State Pollution Control Board is required for their layout.
The State Pollution Control Board is responsible for monitoring the establishment and operation of these facilities regularly.
Guidelines established by the Central Pollution Control Board must be followed by the operator or occupier of a facility to ensure safe operation during and after its use.
Packaging, Labeling, and Transport of Hazardous and Other Wastes
The Central Pollution Control Board has issued extensive guidelines for the packaging and labeling of hazardous and other wastes.
The transportation of hazardous waste is regulated by the Hazardous Waste Rules, 2016, the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, and other additional guidelines provided by the Central Pollution Control Board.
When transporting waste to a facility in a different state for final disposal, the sender must obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the State Pollution Control Board of both states.
The Manifest System is employed for transporting hazardous waste, involving seven colours, each representing a specific code. This system aids in identifying the purpose of transportation.
Amendment of 2019
The amendment was made to facilitate “Ease of Doing Business” and support the “Make in India” initiative by simplifying procedures under the Rules, while still prioritising sustainable development and minimising environmental
impact.
Salient Features
Prohibition of Solid Plastic Waste Import: Solid plastic waste import into the country, including in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and by Export Oriented Units (EOU), has been prohibited.
Exemption for Exporters of Silk Waste: Exporters of silk waste are now exempted from requiring permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Import of Defective Electrical and Electronic Assemblies: Electrical and electronic assemblies and components manufactured in and exported from India, if found defective, can now be imported back into the country within a year of export without obtaining permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Exemption for Certain Industries: Industries exempted from requiring consent under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 are now also exempted from requiring Authorisation under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. This exemption applies if hazardous and other wastes generated by such industries are handed over to Authorised actual users, waste collectors, or disposal facilities.