Guwahati: Assam generates 2.99 lakh kilogram of plastic waste every day, a study revealed on the eve of World Environment Day, to be observed on Tuesday around the theme Beat Plastic Pollution.

Of this volume, 37,000kg of waste is generated every day in Guwahati alone, posing a major threat to the environment, the study, conducted by Guwahati-based NGO, Environ, said.

Environ president Amarjyoti Kashyap said the quantity of plastic waste generated in the state per day is increasing at an "alarming" rate.

Giving a break-up, he said plastic wastes constitute 68,000kg polythene carry bags, 80,800kg packaging materials, 58,000kg polythene sheets or wrappers, 49,500 plastic bottles, 19,700kg plastic glasses, 14,000kg disposable syringes and other medical wastes and 9,000kg other plastic items.

"Plastic waste has grown around six times over the past 14 years, which is a cause for concern," he said.

He said the generation of plastic waste in 2004 was around 50,000kg per day, including 5,000kg per day in Guwahati, which has now touched 2,99,000kg plastic waste per day, including 37,000kg per day in Guwahati.In 2014, this quantity was 1,48,000kg per day in Assam and 22,000kg per day in Guwahati.

Kashyap said according to their study, non-recyclable plastic is creating problems as it remains uncollected and scattered, causing damage to the environment.

Of the total plastic waste generated in the state, 60 per cent is recyclable and 40 per cent non-recyclable. "Non-recyclable plastic is a bigger evil than recyclable plastic and mainly responsible for pollution. Even rag-pickers don't collect non-recyclable plastic. Therefore, it gets mixed with biodegradable waste and hampers the process of decomposition," he said. Non-recyclable plastic ends up in landfills or as litter on land, in waterbodies and in ivers.

He said non-recyclable plastics are multi-layered and laminated thermoplastics and thermoset plastic like pouches and packages for potato chips, biscuits, snacks, spices, noodles, chocolate, paan masala, shampoo, detergent, lubricants and fruit juice.

"The present practice of mixing plastic wastes with biodegradable solid waste is ruining the solid waste management system and creating large tracts of waste land and toxic land. To mitigate plastic pollution, Environ is introducing household plastic craft, especially among housewives to, produce decorative and household utensils like chairback, mattress, table mat, table top, garland and plastic bags, among others, by using the plastic waste at the source itself," he said.

Kashyap said Environ will celebrate World Environment Day in association with Guwahati Refinery by holding a practical demonstration on plastic waste management at Kajalichaki in Chandrapur, on the outskirts of the city.