Pak-EPA sets new rules for plastic bag usage

Unauthorised sale, purchase, distribution, storage, import, manufacturing of plastic bags are illegal in city

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has issued another authorisation to polythene plastic bag distributors or importers for permission to import, distribute and sell polythene plastic bags in Islamabad Capital Territory for hospital waste and municipal waste.

Pak-EPA was already issued an authorisation certificate to Muzaffar & Brothers Pvt Ltd, an Islamabad-based manufacturer of polythene plastic bags for permission to manufacture plastic bags for hospital waste, hazardous waste and municipal waste, stated a press release issued on Tuesday.

Additionally, as part of the plastic bag ban, the concept of 'extended producer responsibility has been introduced through which all manufacturers and importers or distributors of polythene plastic bags who apply to Pak-EPA for authorisation, also submit their detailed recycling plans regarding how they will support recollection and recycling of polythene waste in the federal capital.

Since August 2019, Pak-EPA has imposed a ban on polythene bags in Islamabad as a result of which unauthorised sale, purchase, distribution, storage, import, manufacturing of plastic bags are illegal in the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2021.