Plastic Waste Pollution and Its Management in India
Plastic, one of the most preferred materials in today's industrial world, is posing a serious threat to the environment and consumer health in many direct and indirect ways. The global plastic production increased over years due to the vast applications of plastics in many sectors. More than 50% of the plastic waste generated in the country is recycled and used in the manufacture of various plastic products. The remaining half is disposed of at landfill sites or simply burned in incinerators. The burning of plastics, especially PVC, releases this dioxin and also furan into the atmosphere. In this chapter, the authors examine the environmental and health effects and harm caused by the burning of plastics in detail. It focuses on the current status of plastic waste management in India and industries working under the extended producer responsibility. Therefore, an attempt has been made to review the current practices prevalent in India to deal with this plastic waste and problems associated with it.