NEW DELHI — India generates 5.6 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, with Delhi generating the most of at municipality at 689.5 metric tons every day, according to a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
About 60 percent of the total — or 9,205 metric tons per day — is recycled.
CPCB was asked to study plastic waste generation by India's Supreme Court, which is continuing to discourage the sale of gutka — a popular stimulant consisting of crushed betel nut, chewing tobacco and other flavorings — in plastic pouches.
CPCB submitted the report to the Indian Supreme Court, which said, "We are sitting on a plastic time bomb."
The court asked authorities in five cities — Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Faridabad and Bangalore — "to submit reports on the steps taken to contain dumping of plastic waste and implementing the ban on gutka."
