HC endorses Govt ban on recycled plastic

The court did not agree with the contention of petitioner advocate B L Wadhera that the ban should also be extended to use of such bags for carrying vegetables, fruits, cereals, rice and the like.

This was also opposed by `recycled plastic manufacturers and traders association’ counsel Balmiki Mehta, who said the recycled plastic might have affect prepared food items packed or served at a particular temperature. It did not have any adverse effect on dry food items according to the experts’ report, he claimed.

Central Government counsel H S Phoolka told the court that the Ministry had considered all these aspects before issuing the notification under the Environment Act.

The notification had put a blanket ban on storing, carrying, dispensing and packaging of food stuff by vendors in carry bags or containers made of recycled plastic.