Disposal pouches to come along with condoms and sanitary pads

According to new rules from the Health ministry, the manufacturers of the company have been directed to provide disposal pouches along with sanitary products.

The environment ministry on Tuesday made new rules under its solid waste management rules for a hygienic and clean environment. Taking into consideration the reluctance of rag pickers to dispose sanitary pads, condoms and diapers, the manufacturers of the company has been directed to also provide disposal pouches along with the product. Most hygiene workers refuse to handle these items if not properly wrapped.

According to the new rules, the manufacturers are asked to educate their customers on disposal of products. Brand owners and marketing companies have been levied with the responsibility. Disposal of sanitary waster will be implemented under the ‘extended producer responsibility’ concept. According to the rule, sanitary waste includes diapers, sanitary towels, pads or tampons, condoms and other similar waste. This rule will be implemented by local civic authorities across the country. They have also been empowered to charge a user fee from the bulk waster generators. Miscreants will be charged with a spot fine for not obeying hygiene rules. (Also Read: Sanitary napkin vends at IITF welcome, but comments not)

Group housing societies, hotels, restaurants, institutions, resident welfare and townships are major generators of sanitary waste. According to a Times of India report, the rule was implemented on Tuesday but the local authorities and panchayats have been given a solid waste management plan and are asked to set up the processing facilities within two years. The new rules have been introduced to the municipal areas, areas under the control of Indian railways, airports, airbases, defense colonies and religious places. (Image Credits- ecofluffymama.com)