In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of single-use plastic pollution, the Goa government has taken a novel approach by amending the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996. The state legislative Assembly passed the amendment on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards combating plastic waste.
Despite an initial ban on the manufacture, import, and sale of single-use plastics, accompanied by fines for violations, the effectiveness of these measures has been limited. Recognizing the need for innovative solutions, the Goan government has now introduced a ‘deposit scheme’ aimed at encouraging responsible plastic usage.
Under this pioneering initiative, manufacturers of single or reusable plastic items will be empowered to levy a deposit on products sold in plastic packaging. This deposit will be refundable upon the return of the packaging by the buyer. This approach not only incentivizes consumers to participate in the recycling process but also places a financial responsibility on manufacturers, aligning with the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Rajesh Patnekar, Goa’s Chief Minister, highlighted the rationale behind the scheme. He noted that traditional efforts to curb single-use plastics had fallen short, necessitating a fresh perspective. “We recognize the limitations of our previous attempts, and this deposit scheme presents a groundbreaking alternative,” Patnekar stated.
Mauvin Godinho, the state’s Waste Management Minister, emphasized the innovative nature of the Deposit Refundable Scheme (DRS), especially in comparison to the existing EPR model. The DRS directly involves consumers by attaching a monetary value to the plastic packaging, thereby encouraging them to actively participate in recycling initiatives.
The move has garnered attention not only for its uniqueness but also for its potential to trigger a shift in how plastic waste is managed across the country. While the Goa government’s previous ban on single-use plastics and associated fines struggled to achieve desired results, the deposit scheme introduces a fresh dynamic that could potentially revolutionize plastic waste management.
With this proactive step, Goa stands at the forefront of efforts to address the menace of single-use plastics. As the first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the deposit scheme holds promise for significantly reducing plastic pollution and setting a precedent for other regions grappling with similar environmental challenges.