India, Sept. 1 -- India has recycled 17 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste since 2022, when the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime came into force, shows the latest Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The estimated value of this plastic recycling trade comes to a whopping Rs 2,500 crore-enough to fund four Chandrayaan-3 moon missions. Considering that India annually produces 3.8 million tonnes of plastic waste, going by CPCB estimates, we have been successful in getting rid of at least four-five years of plastic waste generated. If this is the case, and it clearly is, based on official documents of June 2026, then why do we still see mountains of plastic waste in our cities, villages and riverways?

Clearly, som...