Meet on waste management calls for total ban on plastic Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) that makes manufacturers responsible for disposal of non-biodegradable waste generated by their products is among the recommendations made to the government by heads of urban local bodies at a workshop on ‘Decentralised waste management,' organised by the Suchitwa Mission, here on Monday. Mayors and chairpersons of corporations and municipalities across the State participated in the one-day workshop, inaugurated by Minister for Urban Affairs P.K. Kunhalikutty. Minister for Panchayats M.K. Muneer presided. Creation of a buffer zone around garbage processing plants and strengthening punitive measures against institutions and individuals who failed to dispose of waste in a scientific manner was recommended. A total ban on plastic was mooted. The workshop recommended that the State government frame a public sanitation policy, provide police assistance for taking action against violators, and give full funding for the operation of waste processing plants. Inaugurating the workshop, Mr. Kunhalikutty said the State government would extend all support to urban local bodies in addressing waste management issues. Mr. Muneer said the government would promote decentralised waste processing using both modern and indigenously developed technologies. City Mayor K. Chandrika said plastic was the main villain in issues concerning solid waste management. “Even at the Vilappilsala garbage treatment plant, there was no problem or complaint from the local people as long as biodegradable waste alone was treated there. However, problems started erupting from the time plastic waste began to reach the plant,” she said. Ms. Chandrika said decentralised source-level waste processing plants were the only solution to processing biodegradable waste, while in the case of plastic waste recycling units could be set up. She said the Thiruvananthapuram city Corporation would set up a biogas plant at its headquarters as a model initiative. Kollam Mayor Prasanna Earnest said the fine for violations had to be increased in order to ensure that waste was properly disposed of. Kozhikode Mayor A.K. Premajam said lack of sufficient staff and funds was a major impediment for local bodies in implementing waste management schemes. Local Self-government Department Principal Secretary James Varghese said source-level waste reduction should be a priority. Emphasis on strengthening punitive measures Framing of a public sanitation policy sought