The Ministry of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change has told the National Green Tribunal that it has suggested three measures to producers, importers, and brand owners for disposal of plastic waste including pens.

The NGT is hearing a petition filed by Avni Mishra, which complained of adverse environmental impact due to the use of plastic pens without testing.

The petition said that 160 crore to 240 crore pieces are released in the market every year and 91% of the plastic waste is generated due to its non-recycling. It states that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is not properly implemented.

He suggested that the buy-back policy should be implemented. The Central Pollution Control Board also told the NGT that a national framework for EPR is being considered under the environment ministry.

EPR means that when the product is no longer useful to the consumers, the producers have to bear the responsibility for its disposal. The bench has asked the ministry to submit an action report by October 14 for the next hearing.