Twin cities struggle to enforce ban on single-use plastics

Vendors, eateries continue usage, say regulation unfair

RAWALPINDI:

Despite a ban on single-use plastic, major fast-food chains, eateries, supermarkets and theme parks continue to use such products particularly cutlery and temporary food containers.

The federal and Punjab government had placed a ban on single-use plastic earlier this year. The Single Use Plastic Prohibition Regulations 2023 was approved in June by the federal cabinet led by then prime minister Shehbaz Sharif. Shortly after, the Punjab environment department declared the use, manufacture, and sale of single-use polythene bags and related products a legal offense.

These items include disposable plastic utensils including cups, glasses, plates, spoons, knives and disposable food containers. The ban also includes banners made of less than 80 microns of plastic. It extends to PVC pipes, multi-layered packaging and protective strips (tapes) wrapped around sweets boxes. However, both federal and provincial authorities have failed to enforce the ban, with single-use plastic being manufactured, used, supplied, sold and marketed in Islamabad as well as Rawalpindi and adjoining areas.

The environment protection department and the federal government have issued several notices in this respect, but vendors and business owners have disregarded them.

They say single-use plastic products has become a full-fledged industry with even street hawkers and vendors using these products.

Chaudhary Farooq, an officeholder of a local collective of restauranteurs and hoteliers, said they were previously advised to have single-use plastic so that ‘discarded glasses, cups or plates were not reused as it might spread infectious diseases like hepatitis’. He said they engaged stakeholders to introduce the single-use plastic system, following which the industry developed. They even received a no-objection certificate from the government for it, he continued.

He added that while people were forced to close down their businesses, the NOCs for the development of this industry were still in effect.

“Now, this industry employs thousands of people. People have invested billions in it,” continued Farooq. “We cannot stop it suddenly as it would result in massive losses and layoffs.”

Those involved in manufacture of such items said they pay various types of taxes, including general sales tax on sales. Now, we are also being fined for the same thing, they said.

‘Gradual change’

Meanwhile, the environment protection department (EPD) continues to warn and fine those violating the ban. It has conducted surprise inspections of shops, fast food restaurants, bakeries, and amusement parks.

It had also sent notices, through the district administration, to restaurants and hotels before the law's implementation.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2023.