STRATEGY TOWARD ZERO WASTE: ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNMENT POLICY ON PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VATTAKULAM PANCHAYATH, MALAPURAM DISTRICT, KERALA

Abstract

Plastic waste represents one of the most significant environmental challenges of the 21st century. It needs sustainable strategies that follow zero-waste principles. This study looks at how effective government policies are for managing plastic waste in Vattamkulam Panchayath in Malapuram District of Kerala. The research uses primary data from 70 respondents, collected through a structured questionnaire, along with secondary sources. It investigates how education, awareness, and public involvement relate to waste reduction programs. Chi-square tests were used to check hypotheses about awareness levels and government rules. The findings show strong connections between education levels and environmental awareness, as well as between awareness of government rules and participation in plastic waste reduction. The study concludes that while policies are in place, there are gaps in implementation. This calls for better enforcement, more public involvement, and improved infrastructure. It recommends boosting recycling initiatives, increasing public awareness, and using circular economy models to reach sustainable zero-waste goals.