The burden ofplastic wasteis huge in the state. In 2021-22, the plastic waste generated in the state was 72,045 tonne per annum (TPA). The estimated plastic waste generation was approximately 51,965TPAduring 2019-20. It has increased by 39% in two years. Concerned over it, the has taken policy decisions to curb plastic menace, however, its effects are yet to be seen on the ground.
Though Rajasthan is producing significant amount of plastic waste, it is slightly better than the national Average. Per capita plastic waste generation in the state based on waste generated in 2021-22 is low and comes out to be around 1.3kg/capita/year which is well below the national average per capita plastic waste generation of 2.4 kg/ capita/year.
The state board is conducting regular field inspections and market surveys in association with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure effective implementation of ban on single-use plastics. As of now, total 1,10,570 kilogram plastic has been seized and a penalty of Rs 67.8 lakh has been imposed on defaulters from July 2022 to April 2023. The cause of concern that the plastic has become ubiquitous and most of the time, plastic is thrown away after usage; hence being inert in nature, it persists in the Environment. High consumption of plastics and its short-term usage led to high disposal rates.