Union Ministry of Environment rule

Plastic bags now come at a price ranging from Re.1 to Rs.7, depending on the size. If you did not know that, there is no point avoiding some retail chains that have started charging for the carry bag as many more are set to follow suit.

This follows the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2011 of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest. It says plastic bags below 40 microns should not be used and shops should charge customers for carry bags above 40 microns.

Following this retail chains such as More, Big Bazaar, Reliance Fresh and Westside have started levying a charge on customers who ask for a carry bag. Some of them have pasted notices near the cash counter and make announcements informing the customers about the decision and on plastic waste management.

According to members of the Retailers Association of India, the response to the initiative has been mixed since it was first introduced in Mumbai last month and to be extended to other cities.

Reduction in usage

In Mumbai, for instance, in a month, as per surveys conducted by RAI, there is a drastic reduction in the consumption of plastic carry bags – as much as 30 per cent, says Varghese Thomas, Chairman of CII National Council on Retail.

“As far as plastic bags are less consumed, it will have a great impact on the environment. In that regard, there are many conscious customers taking this effort,” Mr. Thomas said.

In the city, while some customers argued when told that a few more rupees have been added to their bill towards the carry bags, some took the contents out and left behind the plastic carry bag in the store.

“It is a good initiative but I am not sure how often I would remember to carry my own bag every time I go shopping. Usually it is after we leave home or after work that we realise that we need to buy things,” says Reine V., a resident of Valsarvakkam, who was charged at two retail outlets.

Koyambedu market

At the Koyambedu fruit and vegetable market, the traders have started issuing biodegradable plastic bags with various public awareness messages.