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Laws & Guidelines
(A) Environmental Rules / Legislations / Convention
Plastic Carry Bag Issues in West Bengal
Mumbai Rule : (http://www.mcgm.gov.in/forms/grindex1.aspx)
Delhi Rule : (http://dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in/)
Himachal Pradesh Rule : ( http://himachal.nic.in/ )
INTERNATIONAL
(B) Standards available for plastics
Chemical Resistance Data For Polyethylenes
BIS : PCD 12 Plastics Sectional Committee
BIS : PCD 21 Plastics Containers Sectional Committee
ASTM standard for Plastic / Bio-degradable Plastic
ASTM standard for Bio-degradable Plastic
| Document#: | ASTM D5951-96(2002) |
| Title | Standard Practice for Preparing Residual Solids Obtained After Biodegradability Standard Methods for Plastics in Solid Waste for Toxicity and Compost Quality Testing |
| Abstract | This practice covers a standard procedure for preparing the residual solids obtained at the end of standard methods for biodegradability testing of plastics in solid waste, for subsequent toxicity and compost quality testing. The practice yields mixtures that can be used as such for terrestrial toxicity testing or that can be submitted to water extraction for further aquatic toxicity tests, in accordance with practice D 5152, and in conjunction with Method D 4229, Guides E 729, E 1192, E 1295, and E 1440, or other currently accepted toxicity test methods (see OECD Guidelines 201, 202, 203, 207, and 208 or US EPA 40FR797A, as well as other documents such as "A New Manual for Conducting Microtox Test with the Model 500 Analyzer" the work on cyst-based toxicity tests by Centeno, et al). The mixtures can also be used for further soil contact biodegradation testing. This practice provides for storage and drying of the mixtures obtained at the end of the test methods for determination of the biodegradability of plastics under controlled composting conditions (Test Method D 5338), and under high-solids anaerobic digestion (Test Method D 5511). The mixtures contain the biologically decomposed residuals from solid waste and from the plastic materials. For the blanks, the residuals will be derived only from the biologically decomposed solid waste. In the event that a particular sample does not pass the toxicity test, chemical characterization of the degradation products can be performed on the sample to determine the source of the toxicity. Description of the performance of these analyses is beyond the scope of this practice. There is no ISO standard that is equivalent to this practice. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. |
| Document# | ASTM D5210-92(2000) |
|---|---|
| Title | Standard Test Method for Determining the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Presence of Municipal Sewage Sludge |
| Abstract | This test method determines the degree and rate of anaerobic biodegradation of synthetic plastic materials (including formulation additives) on exposure to anaerobic-digester municipal sewage sludge from a waste-water plant, under laboratory conditions. This test method is designed to index plastic materials that are more or less biodegradable relative to a positive standard in an anaerobic environment. This test method is applicable to all plastic materials that are not inhibitory to the microorganisms present in anaerobic sewage sludge. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazards are given in Section 8. |
| Document# | ASTM D5271-02 |
|---|---|
| Title | Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in an Activated-Sludge-Wastewater-Treatment System |
| Abstract | This test method is designed to index plastic materials which are more or less biodegradable relative to a standard in aerobic activated-sludge-treatment systems. This test method is designed to be applicable to all plastic materials that are not inhibitory to the bacteria present in the activated sludge. Compounds with toxic properties may delay or inhibit the degradation process. This test method measures the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials (including formulation additives which may be biodegradable) on exposure to activated-sludge biomass in the concentration range from 0.1 to 2.5 g/L mixed-liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) under laboratory conditions. The high MLVSS concentration relative to other biodegradation tests has the advantage of improved repeatability and increased likelihood of more rapid adaptation or acclimation of the biomass. This test method allows for the determination of biological nitrification and the oxidation of other non-carbon components of the plastic. This test method does not purport to determine whether or not a plastic material will pass through primary treatment to the aeration basin of an activated-sludge wastewater-treatment plant. The size or density of the plastic material may exclude it from the secondary-treatment stage of a treatment facility. There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazards statement, see Section 8. |
| Document# | ASTM D5988-03 |
|---|---|
| Title | Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation in Soil of Plastic Materials or Residual Plastic Materials After Composting |
| Abstract | This test method covers determination of the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation of synthetic plastic materials (including formulation additives that may be biodegradable) in contact with soil, or a mixture of soil and mature compost, under laboratory conditions. This test method is designed to rate the biodegradability of plastic materials relative to a standard in an aerobic environment. This test method is designed to be applicable to all plastic materials that are not inhibitory to the bacteria and fungi present in soil and compost. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. A specific hazard statement is given in Section 8. This ASTM test method is equivalent to ISO 17556:2003. |
| Document# | ASTM D6691-01 |
|---|---|
| Title | Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Marine Environment by a Defined Microbial Consortium |
| Abstract | This test method is used to determine the degree and rate of aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials (including formulation additives) exposed to pre-grown population of at least ten aerobic marine microorganisms of known genera. The test method is conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. This test method is designed to index polymer materials that are possibly biodegradable, relative to a positive reference material, in an aerobic environment. This test method is applicable to all polymer materials containing at least 20% carbon that are not inhibitory to the microorganisms present in a marine environment. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. |
| Document# | ASTM D6776-02 |
|---|---|
| Title | Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradability of Radiolabeled Plastic Materials in a Laboratory-Scale Simulated Landfill Environment |
| Abstract | This test method is designed to measure the anaerobic biodegradability of a material under conditions that simulate accelerated decomposition in a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill. The test method requires the use of a 14 C-labeled material so that biodegradability can be determined by monitoring for methane ( 14 CH 4 ) and gaseous and aqueous carbon dioxide ( 14 CO 2(g) and 14 CO 2(aq) ), which are the terminal endproducts of methanogenic decomposition. Methanogenic conditions typically control decomposition in landfills. Note 1—A more complete description of this decomposition is found in Reference (3) . 1.2 This method could be applied to landfills that contain materials other than MSW. 14 C-Radiolabeled material will be added to compost such that between 25 ci and 75 μci activity per 2 litres of test refuse results. Note 2—Adding more radiolabel is desirable because, if the material biodegrades, there will be little residual radiolabel left at the end of the decomposition experiment, which is when the refuse is removed from a reactor and analyzed for residual radiolabel to perform a mass balance. In addition, if insufficient radiolabel is added, then CH 4 and CO 2(g) production from the added refuse will dilute the 14 CH 4 and 14 CO 2(g) from decomposition of the test material, and the labeled gases may not be detected in the reactor offgas. 1.3 This measure of anaerobic biodegradability in the laboratory represents what will ultimately occur in a landfill over a long period. The test conditions specified here are designed to accelerate refuse decomposition such that the entire decomposition cycle can be completed in six months. Note 3—This cycle may require decades in a landfill depending upon the actual environmental conditions (moisture content, pH, temperature). 1.4 The measured biodegradability obtained here is compared to the biodegradability of both pure and lignified cellulose, which are chemically similar to office paper and newsprint, both of which are routinely buried in landfills. Note 4—The degradability of the referenced compounds is described in References (2) and (5) . At this time, there is no standard concerning the extent to which a compound must biodegrade under the test conditions described here to be considered biodegradable. Thus, this test is most appropriately used to measure biodegradability relative to pure and lignified cellulose. 1.5 The safety problems associated with refuse and radioactivity are not addressed in this standard. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices. It is also incumbent on the user to conform to all the regulatory requirements, specifically those that relate to the use of open radioactive sources. Note 5—There are no corresponding ISO standards. |
| Document# | ASTM D6692-01 |
|---|---|
| Title | Standard Test Method for Determining the Biodegradability of Radiolabeled Polymeric Plastic Materials in Seawater |
| Abstract | This test is used to determine the degree of aerobic biodegradation of polymeric compounds utilized in plastic materials by determining the level of respiration of such radiolabeled carbon compounds to radiolabeled carbon dioxide. 1.2 The test is designed to utilize the naturally occurring microbes in seawater as the inoculum for the enrichment and subsequent mineralization (biodegradation) of the test polymer using it as a carbon and energy source resulting in a carbon dioxide as an end product. 1.3 The test method requires that the polymers to be assayed are synthesized using the radioisotope, carbon-14, and that the compound or plastic material be uniformly labeled with carbon-14. 1.4 As controls, known biodegradable compounds, such as glucose or starch, also uniformly labeled with carbon-14, are run in order to determine the biological activity of the natural population. 1.5 The concentration of added polymers shall be kept low so as not to cause limitation by oxygen, and the seawater inoculum is amended with nitrogen and phosphorus compounds to ensure that growth in not limited by these nutrients. 1.6 The safety problems and regulations associated with working with radioactive materials are not addressed in the method. It is the responsibility of the individual users to establish and ensure adherence the proper safety, health, monitoring and all regulatory practices associated with the use of radioactive compounds. 1.7 There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard. |
| Document# | ASTM D6954-04 |
|---|---|
| Title | Standard Guide for Exposing and Testing Plastics that Degrade in the Environment by a Combination of Oxidation and Biodegradation |
| Abstract | This guide provides a framework or road map to compare and rank the controlled laboratory rates of degradation and degree of physical property losses of polymers by thermal and photooxidation processes as well as the biodegradation and ecological impacts in defined applications and disposal environments after degradation. Disposal environments range from exposure in soil, landfill, and compost in which thermal oxidation may occur and land cover and agricultural use in which photooxidation may also occur.1.2 In this guide, established ASTM International standards are used in three tiers for accelerating and measuring the loss in properties and molecular weight by both thermal and photooxidation processes and other abiotic processes (Tier 1), measuring biodegradation (Tier 2), and assessing ecological impact of the products from these processes (Tier 3).1.3 The Tier 1 conditions selected for thermal oxidation and photooxidation accelerate the degradation likely to occur in a chosen application and disposal environment. The conditions should include a range of humidity or water concentrations based on the application and disposal environment in mind. The measured rate of degradation at typical oxidation temperatures is required to compare and rank the polymers being evaluated in that chosen application to reach a molecular weight that constitutes a demonstrable biodegradable residue (using ASTM International biometer tests for CO2 evolution appropriate to the chosen environment). By way of example, accelerated oxidation data must be obtained at temperatures and humidity ranges typical in that chosen application and disposal environment, for example, in soil (20 to 30 degrees C), landfill (20 to 35 degrees C), and composting facilities (30 to 65 degrees C). For applications in soils, local temperatures and humidity ranges must be considered as they vary widely with geography. At least one temperature must be reasonably close to the end use or disposal temperature, but under no circumstances should this be more than 20 degrees C away from the removed that temperature. It must also be established that the polymer does not undergo a phase change, such as glass transition temperature (Tg) within the temperature range of testing.1.4 The residues resulting from the oxidations are then exposed to appropriate disposal or use environments in standard biometric test methods to measure the rate and degree of biodegradation (Tier 2).1.5 The data generated under Tier 1 evaluation and the determined time for the biodegradation in the chosen environment (Tier 2) allow ranking relative to other polymers evaluated under similar environmental conditions with this guide. The degree and time for biodegradation should be consistent with ASTM International methods, and any residues from the intermediate oxidation stage and from biodegradation must be shown to be environmentally benign and not persistent (Tier 3).Note 1 - The intended use of this guide is for comparison and ranking of data to aid in the design and development and the reduction of environmental impacts of polymers that require no more than 24 months to oxidize and biodegrade in the intended use and disposal options and create no harmful or persistent residues under the appropriate disposal conditions (for example, two seasons of crop-growing conditions in soil).1.6 It is cautioned that the results of any laboratory exposure in this guide cannot be directly extrapolated to actual disposal environments; confirmation to real world exposure is ultimately required as with all ASTM International standards.1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.Note 2 - There is no ISO standard that is the equivalent of this standard guide.1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of r |
| Document# | ASTM D6400-99 |
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Selected Indian Standards (Plastics)
| IS: 10171 | 1986 | Guide on suitability of plastics for food packaging |
| IS: 9833 | 1981 | List of pigments and colourants for use in plastics in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 9845 | 1986 | Method of analysis for the determination of specific and/or overall migrations of constituents of plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs |
| IS: 12229 | 1987 | Positive list of constituents of Polyalkylene Terephthalate (PET & PBT) in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 12252 | 1987 | Specifications for polyalkylene terephthalates (PET & PBT) for their safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 10141 | 2001 | Positive list of constituents of polyethylene in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water (first revision) |
| IS: 10171 | 1999 | Guide on suitability of plastics for food packaging (second revision) |
| IS: 10909 | 2001 | Positive list of constituents of polypropylene and its copolymers in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water (first revision) |
| IS: 12229 | 1987 | Positive list of constituents of polyalkylene terephthalates (PET & PBT) for their safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 12247 | 1998 | Nylon-6 polymer for its safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 12248 | 1988 | Positive list of constituents of nylon-6 polymer for its safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 12252 | 1987 | Polyalkylene terephthalates (PET & PBT) for their safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 9833 | 1981 | List of pigments and colourants for use in plastics in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 9843 | 1991 | Code of practice for use of adhesives for packaging (first revision) |
| IS: 10142 | 1999 | Polystyrene (crystal and high impact) for its safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 10146 | 1982 | Polyethylene for its safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 10148 | 1982 | Positive list of constituents of polyvinyl chloride and its copolymers for safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 10149 | 1982 | Positive list of constituents of polystyrene (crystal and high impact) in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 10151 | 1982 | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and its copolymers for its safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 10910 | 1984 | Polypropylene and its copolymers for its safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 11434 | 1985 | Ionomer resins for its safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 11435 | 1985 | Positive list of constituents of ionomer resins for its safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 11704 | 1986 | Ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymers for their safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 11705 | 1986 | Positive list of constituents of ethylene/acrylic acid (EAA) copolymers for their safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 13576 | 1992 | Ethylene methacrylic acid (EMAA) copolymers and terpolymers for their safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
| IS: 13577 | 1992 | Positive list of constituents of ethylene methacrylic acid (EMAA) copolymers and terpolymers for their safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water |
(C) Guide for Muncipalities
Model for Cities & Towns to Increase Recycling & Recovery
As economies of the world advance scientists & technician work strenuously to provide a better quality of life for all people. The demand for plastics in numerous applications keeps increasing year to year. Economists indicate that the growth of plastics is more than double the annual growth of GDP in almost all countries of the world since last 10 years. There are very sound reasons to explain the immense popularity of this material that has found favour, both with consumers & manufactures for thousands of products worldwide.
Plastics are not only relatively cheap to make but they offer inherent strength/ durability & lightness that makes them attractive economically and aesthetically. They are found to be so versatile that they can be used to make hard & tough nose cones for airplanes & rockets at the same time can be made flexible & transparent to preserve fresh foods & delicacies to the delight of consumers and communities anywhere.
It is ironic that several of the unique properties of plastics that has made them so popular & successful are now also causing environmental concerns to citizens. Since more & more plastics are used in newer applications week after week and as the material is so durable & non degradable, it has become the case of double edge sword. Being resistant to both chemical attack & being water repellant, plastics specially as packaging material use, is today also looked upon as a drawback. Once it is thrown out or discarded after use, people feel they just cannot make it disappear from sight.
Today in India the Indian plastics Industry which has been invited by the government more specifically the Ministry of Environment and Forest to find solutions to growing waste nuisance, has accepted that it should and will play a role in finding solutions to disposable of plastics waste as a responsible sector in our national economy.
I would at this juncture like to restate the prime mission of Indian Centre for Plastics in the Environment that has been set up as a non-profit body in India 3 years ago.
To work with governments, nongovernmental organizations and industry to advance solid waste disposal solutions that optimize use of all 3 R’s- Recover, Reuse & Recycle.
In working towards this mission or goal, ICPE has been joining hands with local bodies & municipalities that are willing to accept that the industry can play a proactive role in the community to help protect our environment. The local bodies need to accept that there are totally different materials in the waste stream due to tremendous advancement of science in the last 50 years. Materials that are very tough and long lasting and hence there is a need to adopt totally different strategies & ideas to solve the problems of waste disposal of these new materials.
The waste composition of the 50’s & the 60’s was made up mostly of products of natural produce -paper, cardboard, leather cotton, wood; leaves etc that exposed to nature would gradually melt away in the earth or degrade. The new synthetic & versatile products of the late 20th century plastics, do not degrade and break up despite of the UV rays of the sun, heavy rains of the monsoons or the strong winds of the spring. At ICPE we believe there is wealth in the waste our communities are generating and the answer to disposal of this waste is no longer the landfills & garbage dumps, but intelligent segregated waste collection & recycling. We sincerely believe and have demonstrated that the present day problems of solid waste disposal can be effectively tackled by a multipartite arrangement of the community if all in the area want it to improve.
We believe there are two key parts to Recycling of Solid Waste anywhere in the world.
a) Collection of Waste
b) Reprocessing of the waste
From our working experience with municipalities, very broadly there are five preliminary steps, which need to be taken to successfully structure a plastic recycling & waste disposal programme. that can work and solve modern day disposal problems and be sustained.
- QUANTUM ASSESSMENT: Survey the type of waste that is generated in the community and the quantum that is generated daily weekly monthly & in different seasons. This can help provide estimate of the recyclable materials that are available from the community and the other wet garbage that is being generated.
- LOCATION OF WASTE NEEDING COLLECTION: Evaluate the infrastructure in place and the system of collection and assess whether this is adequate or needs supplementing with bins, receptacles, compactors etc. and find out which waste is generated where.
- LEGAL SUPPORT & ENFORCEMENT Examine the rules, legislation for waste collection, powers for enforcement etc. & help suggest changes in rules if necessary and see the extent they are understood by all and enforceable.
- TECHNICAL CAPABILITY FOR RECYCLING: Locate the kind of recycling facilities that are needed to handle the total quantum & different qualities of the solid waste that is being generated in the area.
- OWNERS OF THE PROJECT: Find out the sincerity of the local body and interested NGOs who will need to be parents of the project. to see that it works on a day to day basis once ICPE has provided the recyclers and the technology back up for reprocessing.& ensure it survives long.
DEFINE ROLE TO BE PLAYED BY EACH PARTNER:
Having done this entire try & bring together five key partners. Ensure you have the help of the municipality, the local trade association representatives, interested NGO’s, the Recyclers and ICPE to decide who needs to do what to make a success of the entire programme.
The Municipality or the local body will need to see that there are bins at regular intervals preferably separate ones for dry & wet waste to minimize opportunities for littering and prevent good waste getting poor by mixing it all up at collection points. Simultaneously see that strong anti litter & segregation at source rules are framed, put up and enforced to change age old practices of disposal..
The NGO will need to work on community awareness programmes involving commercial establishments, hotels, & resident associations, schools etc. to effectively convey the need & merits of an improved waste management system & recycling programme and support the change. There will be need for short term and long-term communication strategies based on local conditions.
Housing societies for citizens & Hoteliers & Commercial establishment heads for reaching out to tourists will also need to get involved to pass on the message of Segregated Waste Collection at Source and BIN Culture is adopted by all in the area. This ensures that Solid waste is not mixed with wet garbage and the reasonable value from the waste keeps the interest of recyclers alive as the project advances and can become self sustainable.
Recyclers can be asked to belong to the project in the area and commit to take away the solid waste at regular intervals, compensating if possible those that help in accumulating & storing it for them.
ICPE can help with data collection, monitoring the project operation on a weekly and monthly basis and providing technical inputs of recycling ideas and communication strategies from it’s national experience of earlier projects and worldwide information sources and affiliates overseas.
All the above points and guidelines have been evolved by ICPE on Indian experience of 2 to 3 years working with capable sincere Officials, committed NGOs and responsible Recyclers and caring Business Corporations. We believe habits of years and practices of generations can only change with better understanding by the citizens and sound reasoning that is well communicated in simple form. One needs to patiently pursue such programmes, adapt ideas to local conditions where necessary to make it a people’s movement for a cleaner, greener and better environment for tomorrow.