In Kerala, the manufacture, sale and storage of one-time-use plastic items will be banned from 1st of January next year. The decision was taken at a State Cabinet meeting yesterday.
Plastic carry bags, plastic sheets, cooling films, plastic plates, cups, thermocol and Styrofoam-based items and others will be covered under the ban.
A fine of 10,000 rupees will be slapped on manufacturers, wholesalers and small traders who defy the ban. If the ban is violated for the second time, the fine will be 25,000 rupees.
A third violation will invite closure and a fine of 50,000 rupees.
The Industries Department will introduce incentive schemes to encourage companies that manufacture environment-friendly bags.
