If the Kozhikode Corporation has its way, you could end up paying a huge price for plastic carry bags you conveniently opt for while making purchases.
The corporation is considering implementing a rule that targets the general public as well as traders by fixing a price for such bags. If customers need carry bags, they will have to pay a fat sum for them. But, the cost cannot be pocketed by traders. They have to deposit it in the bank account of the corporation. And, the sum that acquired will be used for the civic body’s waste management programme, corporation health committee chairman K.V. Baburaj said on Monday.
But, there is still a long way to go. The question remains as to who will monitor the sale of such bags, ensure proper accounting and make traders deposit the money charged in the bank account. No wonder, the move sounds far-fetched.
With its plastic waste recycling plant no longer functional, the corporation is desperately looking for ways to make people bring down the use of plastics, especially carry bags.
“We feel the move will discourage the use of plastic carry bags, as traders and customers may find them unviable. We are working out the specifics,” Mr. Baburaj said, giving a broad picture of the proposed measure.
A failed initiative
At present, some shops, including multi-brand garment outlets, sell plastic carry bags at Rs.5 to Rs.7. When the practice was introduced, the objective was to make people bring their own cloth or paper bags. However, it did not yield the desired outcome, with traders making a profit out of the sale of bags.
Now, the clause that the cost of the bags should go to the corporation’s kitty is expected to make traders think twice before offering the non-biodegradable plastic bags that mostly end up in garbage dumps.
“We will hold a meeting with traders to explain to them as to why such a measure is needed to end the menace of plastic waste that is choking the city,” Mr. Baburaj said. “It is not as if only larger carry bags cause problems. Almost every essential item is packed in plastic sachets. How will you dispose them? Our meeting with traders will also look at alternatives such as bio-degradable paper packets,” he added.
