A persistent conundrum: unchecked banned plastic economy of Chennai

Explore the plastic waste crisis in Chennai, India, from the perspective of vendors, residents, and officials.

In the bustling vicinity of the Vadapalani Andavar Temple, a flower vendor, surrounded by vibrant offerings and incense, revealed the persistent challenge of plastic waste in the area. “The police stationed here do not check often, but we keep the stock hidden most of the times. We cannot get rid of this; it won’t leave the face of Earth,” said the vendor as he packed ‘archanai’ materials into single-use plastic covers. This sheds light on the entrenched use of plastic, highlighting the lack of sustainable alternatives.

The flower vendor (name?), emphasising the absence of vending machines for the eco-friendly ‘Manjapai’ (yellow cloth bag), said , “Almost all devotees come empty-handed. They need something handy and, more importantly, something that is free of cost. A set of 30 plastic covers costs just ₹10, so we don’t charge for it, unlike the cloth bags in supermarkets for which people pay.” He attributed his supply chain to random sellers who frequent the area at unspecified times, underscoring the informal and unregulated nature of the plastic trade.

Venturing beyond Vadapalani, the plastic conundrum extends to various neighbourhoods. A vegetable seller in Koyambedu traced her plastic source to Parrys Corner, while a baker shop owner in Triplicane pointed to specific shops in Bharathi Salai, Ellis Puram, Padupakkam, and other locations. The interconnected web of plastic distribution span diverse areas, involving sellers who clandestinely operate.

In Sadayankuppam, Gopalraj, 65, a shopkeeper, admitted receiving plastic bags ranging from ₹10 to ₹150, primarily from unidentified individuals on motorbikes. His uncertainty about the origins hinted at the possibility of involvement from wholesale shops. Mr. Gopalraj alleged that these suppliers not only distribute plastic covers but also provide plastic cups, plates, and cutlery at an incredibly low rates.

As per research conducted by experts in Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), microplastics pollution is caused by residences— through washing dishes, doing laundry, taking showers and using toilets — all these produce municipal wastewater. The use of banned plastic and unscientific disposal, constraints in processing them may add to this.

Residents, particularly in flood-prone regions like Burma Nagar, repurpose the larger plastic covers to safeguard their belongings during emergencies. An 18-year-old class XII student claims, “Some discard this along with other wastes close to the banks of the water body running here.” This informal disposal method aggravates the plastic waste issue, impacting both the environment and public health.

Subbulakshmi R., in Ward 122, under Zone 9, claimed that the flower vendor handed over flowers in a banned plastic cover, though she didn’t need it. “Some [people] use it so the flowers stay fresh in the refrigerator. I do not chill them, so once I use them, I store up the plastic covers in a cloth bag and return it to the vendor. Such cheap plastics, specifically those packing food packets, attract cockroaches and are unhealthy. They release toxins when exposed to moisture constantly. It is better to dispose of them.”