Single-use plastics back in use

Traders blame it on customers not bringing their own bags

Despite a ban being in force, single use plastics, particularly polythene carry bags, are back in use widely in the city again. The State government banned the use of single-use plastics in 2019. While the enforcement was stringent initially, the monitoring seemed to have waned particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to their re-emergence. The banned plastics are commonly spotted mostly in small stores, eateries and among hawkers selling vegetables. G. Meena, who sells vegetables on Eldams Road, said they were forced to have carry bags as a majority of the customers do not bring bags. “It is relatively better how. A lot of people do bring bags. However, many still do not. We will be happy if everyone brings their own bags as we do not have to spend on carry bags,” she said.