The ever-increasing generation of plastic waste in India due to rapid urbanization, industrialization and changing consumer habits poses real challenges to environmental sustainability. The proper management of plastic waste is essential to minimize its impact on the environment. To address these challenges, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that highlights the methodology for assessment and characterisation of plastic waste. This SOP provides a clear background for assessment of plastic waste generation, classification of waste materials and management of plastic waste while ensuring compliance with the relevant legal provisions including the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016.

Background and Legal Framework

The legal framework for plastic waste management in India has been established under the PWM Rules, 2016, which amendments annually. Specifically focusing on the ban of single-use plastics and the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) guidelines.

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The 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules laid the foundation for local bodies to assess the quantity of plastic waste generated within their jurisdiction. Under the provisions of these rules, local bodies are required to submit an annual report on plastic waste generation, detailing the quantity of plastic waste and the infrastructure available for its collection, segregation and processing. Amendments to the PWM Rules in 2021 and 2022 further simplified the management process, particularly by banning single-use plastic items and incorporating EPR guidelines for producers of plastic packaging waste.

The amendments of 2024, also add further measures, requiring local bodies to measure and report plastic waste generation, including waste at dump sites. The ongoing monitoring of plastic waste confirms that the efforts to manage plastic pollution are continuous, comprehensive and up-to-date.

Key Objectives of the SOP

The primary objective of this SOP is to establish a consistent methodology for assessment of plastic waste produced by local bodies and urban/rural jurisdictions. It also provides a structured and standardized approach to plastic assessment and characterization across India. These key objectives are:

• Assessing Plastic Waste Generation: Correctly measure the amount of plastic waste, which includes both the waste present in landfills and the waste generated annually.
• Categorization of Plastic Waste: Categorizing plastic waste into numerous categories such as single-use plastic, plastic packaging, and compostable plastics to enable proper management and recycling practices.
• Ensuring Compliance: Aligning the efforts of local bodies with the national legal framework to promote effective implementation of plastic waste management regulations.

Methodology for Plastic Waste Assessment 

The methodology of the plastic waste valuation is to provide an accurate and comprehensive approach to determine the quantity and types of plastic waste generated within a jurisdiction. It follows a systematic procedure to confirm the waste is characterized and categorized correctly. Following are the key steps in the assessment process.

• Characterization of Plastic Waste: Before assessing the amount of plastic waste, it is important to characterize the plastic waste. Characterization includes the categorization of waste types on the basis of various parameters. According to the ASTM D 5231-92 standard test method, the following key parameters are used to characterize plastic waste:

1. Number of Vehicles to be sampled: Refers to the number of vehicles used to transport municipal solid waste, from which samples will be collected.
2. Sorting Sample Size: This refers to the amount of waste collected from each vehicle load for analysis, usually ranging from 91 to 135 kg.
3. Vehicle Load Size: The total amount of waste a vehicle carries, usually four times the sorting sample size (360-540 kg).
4. Duration of Sampling: The number of days over which the waste samples will be collected.

• Distribution of Sampling Locations: To ensure complete coverage and to take into account for socio-economic differences, waste assessment has been divided into regional zones. This zoning ensures that all demographic and socio-economic factors are taken into account when assessing plastic waste generation.

1. Stage 1: Division of the city or area into five zones: East, West, North, South, and Central.
2. Stage 2: Classification of wards in each zone according to their socio-economic characteristics, including high-income, middle-income, economically weaker sections, commercial, and mixed residential areas.

• Waste Sample Collection: The waste sample collection follows the cone and quarter method, which ensures that a representative sample of the plastic is collected for characterization. This method includes: 

1. Discharging the vehicle’s load in a designated area.
2. Mixing the waste thoroughly and then dividing it into four parts.
3. Two diagonal parts are selected for further analysis 

• Categorization of Plastic Waste: Plastic waste is classified into numerous types for better management and recycling, each category is essential for proper disposal or recycling process, with compostable plastics requiring special handling.

1. Rigid Plastics: Consist of items like PET water bottles and HDPE bottles used for packaging.
2. Flexible Plastics: Contains carry bags, plastic packaging, and similar products.
3. Multi- layered Plastics: Plastics that contain more than one material, such as plastic used for chips packets and tea bags.
4. Compostable Plastics: Plastics that can be broken down through biological procedures.

• Quantity Assessment of Plastic Waste: Once the waste has been classified, the amount of plastic waste can be calculated. These include assessments of both plastic packaging waste and single-use plastic (SUP) waste. The formula used for this calculation takes into account the total amount of mixed waste generated, allowing for an accurate measure of the plastic waste produced in the area.
• Validation of Data: To ensure accuracy of estimation, the data reported by local bodies needs to be verified by SPCBs/PCCs. These authorities audit local body reports and verify data through sampling and direct participation in the examination process. This step is very important to ensure that the findings imitate the actual plastic waste generation in the area.

Also Read: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Petrol Depots

Implementation of SOP

For effective implementation, the following steps must be taken:

• Training: The SPCB/PCC will train stakeholders involved in the plastic waste calculation process to confirm that the methodology is followed properly.
• Engagement of Agencies: The local bodies can either carry out the assessment directly or engage agencies to help in data collection and analysis.
• Monitoring: SPCB/PCC will supervise the implementation of SOP and make sure that the procedures are followed properly. Regular reports will be submitted to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to maintain transparency and compliance.
• Online Portal: The online portal for assessment & characterization of plastic waste as per the methodology stipulated in this SOP shall be developed by CPCB. The online portal shall have provision for assessment & characterization ay the Local body / Village panchayat level as well as the State level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for plastic waste assessment and characterization is an important step in addressing India's growing plastic waste challenge. With increasing urbanization and industrialization, this SOP confirms that local bodies follow a systematic approach to plastic waste assessment and classification with the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016 and its amendments. The SOP’s methodology, which includes recognized classifications of plastic waste as rigid, flexible, multi-layered and compostable plastics, facilitates targeted recycling and effective waste management practices. Compliance with reporting and assessment guidelines by local bodies ensures accurate data collection, while the authentication process by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) ensures transparency and accountability.

Eventually, this SOP plays an important role in minimizing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable management. By following these guidelines, stakeholders contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment, supporting India's long-term environmental goals and help in the successful implementation of CPCB registration and certification.