Indore Municipal Corporation Makes History by Receiving EPR Credit for Recycling Banned Single-Use Plastic
Date: July 7, 2023
Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) in Madhya Pradesh, India, has become the first urban body in the country to receive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) credit for its commendable efforts in recycling banned single-use plastic items. Indore has successfully implemented a complete ban on such items within the city, and as a result, the IMC has seized approximately eight tonnes of single-use plastic, preventing its circulation. This significant milestone adds to Indore’s reputation as India’s cleanest city, as it has secured the top ranking for the sixth consecutive year in the central government’s annual cleanliness survey.
Indore’s achievement in EPR signifies the extension of a producer’s responsibility for a product to the post-consumer stage of its life cycle. The IMC has been credited with Rs 8,100 for its commitment to responsible waste management and sustainable practices. To address the challenge of recycling the seized plastic, the IMC has established a recycling plant operating under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This facility plays a crucial role in converting the seized plastic waste into reusable materials, reducing the strain on landfills, and promoting a circular economy.
Indore faces a significant daily challenge in managing solid waste, with an average of 1,162 tonnes generated each day, including approximately 164 tonnes of plastic waste. However, the IMC has implemented an efficient waste collection system, where waste is systematically categorized and collected from every doorstep in the city using civic vehicles. The collected waste is then promptly disposed of at the recycling plant, ensuring that Indore maintains its cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated the residents and local administration of Indore for this remarkable achievement. He emphasized the importance of promoting a circular economy, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, and applauded the efforts made by the IMC to realize this goal.
Indore’s pioneering approach in implementing the EPR framework and establishing a successful recycling plant sets a positive example for other urban bodies in India. It demonstrates the effectiveness of banning single-use plastic items and showcases the possibilities of responsible waste management, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations.
