BENGALURU: Noticing the reckless disposal of used plastic water bottles across Karnataka, especially in and around tourist destinations, the state govt decided to crack the whip and ordered the Environment and Ecology Department to frame suitable rules mandating vendors to ‘buy back’ used water bottles of various companies. These bottles eventually end up as roadside garbage, choking water bodies and the ecosystem.
Highlighting that these discarded water bottles are increasingly becoming a threat to the environment and ecosystem, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre said, “These plastic water bottles are neither biodegradable nor easy to compost scientifically. Due to these factors, people often burn them in the open, releasing toxic substances into the earth and air, affecting both human health and the environment. The state govt has taken serious note of the increasing sale of single-use plastic materials despite strict rules based on the Centre’s ban on the sale and usage of all kinds of single-use plastic materials.”

The minister further revealed that Karnataka must crack down on the reckless disposal of plastic water bottles (mineral water bottles) along the roads.
“The reckless disposal of these plastic bottles everywhere is turning out to be a major threat to the water bodies and environment, and we must cut down this increasing reliance on plastic water bottles. As per the rules, every manufacturer of bottled water has the responsibility to dispose of their products (plastic bottles) scientifically. If these companies, through their vendors, offer to buy back used water bottles of any brands at a nominal cost from the public, we can reduce this problem of disposal of plastic bottles everywhere,” Khandre highlighted in his letter to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Ecology Department.
Also read: Karnataka cracks whip on plastic pollution in Tiger Reserves, Sanctuaries
Recalling the importance of ‘Extended Producers’ Responsibility’ (EPR) as mandated in the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, Khandre said, “Under the EPR provision, manufacturers are accountable for the environmental impacts of their products throughout the product’s lifecycle, even after the products are bought by consumers.”
The minister directed the officials to ensure that all bottled water manufacturing companies must buy back the used bottles from citizens for a nominal and minimum price before selling them a new bottle.
“The bottles collected through such practice can easily be recycled scientifically,” the minister directed.
Sources in the Environment and Ecology Department revealed that the crackdown on the reckless disposal of plastic water bottles comes close on the heels of a similar method implemented across all protected areas of Karnataka.
“In June 2024, the Karnataka Forest Department resolved to free all its protected areas, particularly tiger reserves, from plastic contamination. Accordingly, the passengers and tourists visiting these forest areas were screened at two stages for disposable single-use plastic bottles. The visitors can voluntarily surrender such materials at the first stage, and forest officials penalise visitors if they come across any such materials during the second time checking of visitors,” a senior forest official explained. Similarly, the state govt has also banned the use of plastic water bottles in all govt functions at Vidhana Soudha and in other locations.