The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) of Himachal Pradesh is considering the use of polythene as an alternative fuel for cement plants in the state. Though the use of non-biodegradable polythene bags was banned in the state in 2009, they continue to be a problem as they are often used to package food. The standard practice of landfill and deep burial is not an ideal solution for such materials. Pointing to Norway as an example, SPCB secretary Vineet Kumar said that polythene is in some cases used as an alternative fuel. According to reports, a cement plant in Bilaspur has already been approached to make use of polythene waste from Bilaspur, Mandi and Kullu districts. Other cement plants in the state will follow suit. Early reports indicate that the cement plants will not have to pay for this type of alternative fuel.
Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui