Shutting Down Plastic Bag Manufacturers – New Delhi, India

The Indian government banned the use of plastic bags in various markets, shopping malls, hotels and hospitals in January of 2009. Two years later, with the law being nearly impossible to enforce, the government plans to shut down 400 plastic bag manufacturers across New Delhi, India.

According to a top government official, the Indian government is determined to rid New Delhi of plastic bags once and for all.

“We are considering closing down the manufacturing units of plastic bags so that these bags are not produced at all,” the official said.

What happens if you violate this ban? Up to 5 years imprisonment, yikes!

While it sounds like the perfect plan and maybe precedence for other countries to follow, what about the thousands of people that will lose their jobs (estimated to be around 20,000 people)? If plastic bags are no longer available, will the use of paper bags spike causing further deforestation? Will the use of jute bags increase? Don’t forget, some jute bags are made from non-woven fabric (which essentially is a thick plastic bag).

Instead of banning the use of plastic bags, Mahender Kohlihow, president of Plastic Bag Awareness Forum, suggests setting up a proper waste management program. Plastic bags are 100% recyclable, let’s get them recycled! Plastic bags are commonly made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE – type 2) or Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE – type 4). Both plastics are very sought after commodities with a wide range of applications.

As I have never been to India, I’m in no position to question their actions. China (where I currently reside) had a similar law enacted several years back that prohibited stores (supermarkets, shopping malls, etc…) from giving away plastic bags for free. Instead, the customer must purchase plastic bags if needed. Even though the fee is minimal, around 3 cents per plastic bag, I personally saw a surge in the use of jute bags. As for me, I never leave home without one; I always leave several jute bags in the truck.

California has a similar law taking effect in July, 2011. A fee of 10 cents will be charged per bag in stores and supermarkets.

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