The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) in Madhya Pradesh, India, has created history by securing Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) credit for its groundbreaking efforts in recycling prohibited single-use plastics. As the first urban body in the country to receive this recognition, the IMC has cemented its position as a leader in responsible waste management and sustainable practices. Indore’s commitment to the environment is further reflected in its continuous recognition as India’s cleanest city for the sixth consecutive year, solidifying its status as a role model for other cities across the nation.
EPR is an innovative environmental policy approach that extends a producer’s responsibility for a product throughout its entire life cycle, including the post-consumer stage. Acknowledging the IMC’s dedication to responsible waste management and sustainable practices, the EPR credit granted to Indore amounts to Rs 8,100. This financial acknowledgment signifies the IMC’s commitment to transforming waste management practices and establishing a circular economy.
To address the challenge of recycling the seized plastic waste, the IMC has established a recycling plant operating under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This facility has played a pivotal role in converting the banned single-use plastics into reusable materials, effectively reducing the burden on landfills and promoting sustainable practices within the city. By adopting this proactive approach, Indore has positioned itself as a champion for waste management and has set an exemplary precedent for other cities to follow.
Managing a substantial amount of solid waste, with an average of 1,162 tonnes generated daily, is a daily challenge for Indore. Among this waste, approximately 164 tonnes consist of plastic waste. However, the IMC has implemented an efficient waste collection system, wherein waste is diligently categorized and collected from every doorstep in the city using dedicated civic vehicles. This well-organized process ensures that the collected waste is promptly disposed of at the recycling plant, allowing Indore to maintain its cleanliness and uphold its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, congratulated the residents and local administration of Indore for this momentous achievement. He emphasized the importance of fostering a circular economy, in alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and commended the IMC for its exceptional efforts in realizing this goal. Indore’s consistent recognition as India’s cleanest city and its recent accomplishment in recycling banned single-use plastics demonstrate the city’s dedication to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.