International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 09 | Sep 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Socio-Economic and Environmental Implications of Banning Single-Use Plastics and Multi-Layered Plastics in Delhi: A Comprehensive Assessment in the Context of Delhi Siddharth Upadhyay1 1 Junior Environmental Engineer, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, GNCTD, DELHI
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Abstract - The ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) and multi-
Responsibility (EPR) mechanisms incorporated within these rules require producers to take accountability for the entire lifecycle of plastic products, incentivizing improved design, waste collection, and recycling infrastructure.
layered plastics in Delhi represents a significant regulatory initiative aimed at mitigating plastic pollution. This paper analyzes the socio-economic and environmental impacts of these bans in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, highlighting implementation challenges, enforcement outcomes, stakeholder responses, and alternative policy solutions. Drawing from government reports, pollution control board data, notably from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and global scientific insights, this assessment emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted and lifecycle-oriented approach to effectively manage plastic waste while ensuring socio-economic inclusivity.
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The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and subsequent amendments in 2018 and 2022, provide the legal foundation for these bans. Delhi’s ban prohibits 19 single-use plastic items including plates, cups, straws, wraps, and thermocol cutlery, with enforcement coordinated by a Special Task Force. This regulatory framework mirrors international trends such as the EU Directive on single-use plastics and initiatives by the United Nations Environment Programme for a global plastics treaty [Pearson & Khare, 2022]. However, the MIT analysis cautions that bans alone are insufficient and should be part of a larger, multi-pronged policy ecosystem.
Key Words: Single-use plastics ban (SUP ban), Plastic pollution mitigation, Plastic waste generation, Socioeconomic implications, Multi-layered plastics ban etc
1. INTRODUCTION
Policy action points in Delhi are outlined in a Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP), with specific timelines and clearly allocated responsibilities to urban local bodies (ULBs), district magistrates, education and civic agencies, the DPCC, and industry stakeholders. Regular interdepartmental meetings and progress reviews ensure the CAP remains responsive and adaptive to emerging challenges. Extensive stakeholder consultations, including NGOs, industry associations, startups, and citizen groups, have been integral for identifying gaps, fostering buy-in, and promoting viable alternatives to SUPs.
Delhi generates approximately 1113 tonnes of plastic waste daily, approximately 10% of the city's municipal solid waste. The environmental degradation caused by plastic pollution is evident in clogged drainage systems, polluted water bodies, and increased air pollution due to open burning of plastics. The persistence of plastic debris in the environment is exacerbated by the extremely slow degradation rates of most polymers, which can enter terrestrial and marine ecosystems causing long-term ecological harm including threats to biodiversity, soil health, and human well-being.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has played a pivotal role in operationalizing these policies on the ground. DPCC has overseen inspections, enforcement actions, and public engagement initiatives to ensure compliance. DPCC’s establishment of grievance redressal portal (Green Delhi App), control rooms, and continuous stakeholder training has been critical in fostering awareness and action against SUP violations.
Recognizing the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, both the Government of India and Delhi's state government implemented comprehensive bans effective from July 1, 2022, targeting single-use plastics (SUPs) and multi-layered plastic products. These bans cover a broad spectrum of plastic items including plastic cutlery, bags below specified thickness thresholds, thermocol products used for packaging and decoration, and other commonly discarded disposable plastics.
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The regulatory framework supporting these bans builds upon the Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWM Rules), initially promulgated in 2016 and subsequently amended in 2018 and 2022 to encompass enhanced restrictions and responsibilities. Notably, the Extended Producer
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Impact Factor value: 8.315
Policy and Regulatory Framework
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Environmental Implications
Ban implementation has led to significant reductions in plastic waste accumulation in drains and open areas, mitigating urban flooding risks and improving Delhi’s environmental landscape.
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