The Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016 was notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), On March 18, 2016, On April 8, 2016, the Ministry also published the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Because plastic waste is classified as solid waste, both rules apply to the management of plastic waste in the country.


The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, require plastic waste generators to take steps to reduce plastic waste generation, not litter plastic waste, ensure segregated waste storage at the source, and pass over sorted waste to local bodies or entities that have been authorised by local bodies Local governments, gram panchayats, waste generators, retailers, and street sellers all have roles and obligations in the management of plastic waste, according to the rules.


According to the PWM Rules, the PIBOs who introduce the products into the market bear Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) for the management of plastic waste packaging. They must collaborate with local governments to develop a system for managing the plastic waste generated by their products. Local governments are responsible for establishing the PWM system, with assistance from producers and brand owners.


Furthermore, PIBOs operating in more than two states must register with the CPCB, while those operating in one or two states must register with the relevant SPCB/PCC. To obtain registration, an EPR Action Plan for PWM must be submitted.