Maharashtra plastic ban: Here's a list of what is allowed and what isn't

On June 23, Maharashtra became the first city in India to have implemented plastic ban.

The Devendra Fadnavis-led state government enforced the ban after issuing the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products (manufacture, usage, sale, transport, handling, and storage) notification in March this year.

The government had given the manufacturers, distributors, and consumers a period of three months to dispose their existing stock and come up with alternatives to plastic usage.

After the government enforced a ban on plastic in the state, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday seized 255.400 kilogram of plastic and collected Rs Rs 3,90,000 in fine.

Here's a list of what is allowed and what isn't

What's banned

• Bags made up of plastic (with or without handles)
• Articles made up of thermocol, plastic for single use only.
• Plastic bags, container, polypropylene bags used in hotels to store and sell eatables and food items.
• Plastic pouches used for storing liquid.
• Use of thermocol and plastic for decoration purposes.
• Disposable cutlery, plates, bowls, cups etc.
• Non Woven polypropylene bags .

What's not banned

The exemptions have been made to minimise discomfort to businesses till the time alternatives have a strong presence in the market.

• PET bottles, milk pouches, garbage bin liners
• Plastic containers, Tiffin, bottles etc
• Plastic bags used for agriculture, horticulture, plant nurseries
• Plastic packaging for medical purpose
• Rain coat,tarpaulin sheets,pens
• Plastic wrapper of biscuits, chips
• Plastic packaging of products at manufacturing stage

What is the fine amount for offenders of the plastic ban?

If anyone is found violating the plastic ban in Maharashtra, he/she will be fined Rs 5,000 for the first time and Rs 10,000 for the second time. One who violates plastic ban for the third time will have to pay a fine of Rs 25,000 and may also face imprisonment for a period of three months.

However, visitors coming to the state are also advised to maintain caution while disposing of plastic at public places.

When was plastic ban declared in Maharashtra?

On June 23 this year, the Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government banned the manufacture, usage, sale, transport, distribution, wholesale/retail sale, storage import of plastic bags with or without handle, and disposable products made out of plastic and thermocol.