India’s plastic waste problem continues to worsen as a new report reveals that only 30% of the country’s 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste is being recycled. The report, released by the Marico Innovation Foundation, found that over a five-year period, plastic consumption in India has risen at a compounded annual growth rate of 9.7%, reaching 20 million tonnes in 2019-20. This increase in consumption has also led to a doubling of plastic waste output during the same period.
The report titled ‘Plastics, The Potential and Possibilities’ also highlighted that Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu contribute 38% of India’s plastic waste. This is a concerning issue as plastic waste not only harms the environment but also poses a significant health risk to both humans and animals.
The government and other organizations must take immediate action to address this issue by promoting recycling and finding sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. The public also has a crucial role to play by reducing their consumption of plastic and properly disposing of the plastic waste they do produce. Only through a collective effort can India hope to curb its plastic waste problem and protect its environment and citizens.