Page 36 - Plastic News Issue August 2025
P. 36
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
underscores its commitment to environmental in the implementation of this instruction are to
sustainability and responsible waste manage- be brought to the notice of the Board for resolu-
ment. tion.
All Principal Chief Commissioners and Commis- The move is expected to streamline accountabil-
sioners of Customs and Central Taxes have been ity in the plastic supply chain, ensuring that im-
urged to sensitize officers under their jurisdiction porters contribute actively to the collection and
regarding the verification of this mandatory reg- recycling of plastic waste generated from their
istration at the time of clearing consignments of products.
plastic raw material. Any difficulties encountered
Source-https://eprplastic.cpcb.gov.in/#/plastic/home
DHARAVI: MUMBAI’S HIDDEN RECYCLING POWERHOUSE
haravi, often labelled Asia's largest vents the city from becoming overwhelmed by
slum, is a major recycling hub. The huge garbage. India overall generates more plastic
D Dinformal system processes plastic and wastethan any other country worldwide. And it’s
e-waste and provides work for thousands. not just plastic, thousands earn their living sort-
ing paper, bottles, packaging, and electronics—
keeping the city clean while eking out a modest
income.
A Lifeline Without Safety Nets
Despite its economic contributions, Dharavi’s re-
cycling workforce remains vulnerable. Collectors
like Lakshmi separate trash day in and day out,
often suffering from health issues as a result of
direct contact with waste. Most of the 600 tons
of daily refuse processed here is sorted with lit-
In the heart of Mumbai lies Dharavi, often la-
beled as Asia’s largest slum—yet its economy tle to no protective gear. Dealers like Moham-
tells a different story. Generating nearly a billion mad Irfan manage operations to collect and sort
euros annually, the area thrives on resilience and hundreds of kilos of waste daily, to be sold for
resourcefulness. Alleyways hum with small-scale recycling. Still, the workers pay a heavy price—
enterprises, many fueled by plastic recycling. physically and financially—for keeping Mumbai
With 60% of Mumbai’s plastic waste passing from drowning in waste.
through Dharavi, the informal settlement pre- Source - https://www.dw.com
36 PLASTICS NEWS August 2025
