'Self regulation, key to check plastic menace'

Speaking at the workshop on plastics manufacture here on Friday, KSPCB chairman A S Sadashivaiah said plastic waste comprises two major categories - thermo plastic forms 80 per cent and thermoset plastic constitutes 20 per cent.

“Thermoplastic is recyclable, whereas thermoset plastics cause serious damage to environment, both during its production and disposal.  The only way to manage plastic waste is recycling and producing biodegradable plastics,” he said.

At present, plastic carry bags cannot be banned without an alternative. However,  they can be regulated at the production level.  Self-regulation, discipline in segregation and awareness among public help to manage plastic in the environment, he noted.