NEW DELHI: Experts have flagged the leniency of the central government's new plastic waste management rule, questioning its effectiveness. The rule, notified today, promotes the burning of plastic to produce energy and allow carry forward the target of recycling and reuse. The new Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026, will replace the 10-year-old regulation and will come into effect at the start of the new financial year. The new rules explicitly endorse the ‘end-of-life disposal’ of plastic waste for energy recovery. The practice of burning plastic to generate energy remains controversial, as experts argue there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in managing plastic waste.

Source: Indian Express April 01, 2026 17:11 UTC