Aafrin Kidwai 
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has observed that plastic pens are covered under the meaning of “plastic” as provided in Rule 3(o) of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2018 and therefore, they are also covered by the statutory framework of the said Rules.
The petitioner, Avani Mishra, argued that the unchecked use of plastic pens having an adverse effect on the environment. According to the petitioner, about 91% of the plastic waste is not recycled whereas 1600 to 2400 million pieces are introduced in the market each year.
The Central Pollution Control Board had submitted a report on 11.06.2020 wherein it was found that items such as plastic pens and other plastic products are not covered under the ambit of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2018. The report also suggested that the National Framework for Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR) under the said Rules was under consideration of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and that the CPCB has asked the Ministry to include the plastic items under the EPR.
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