Plastic Waste Management Rules (2022): Practical Guide for Indian Factories | EHSShala

A Practical Guide for Indian Factories, Warehouses & Offices

Why This Article Exists

Let’s be very clear from the start.

Most plastic waste non-compliances in Indian factories and offices are not intentional.
They are not done to save money.
They are not done to hide anything.

They happen quietly.

Across many sites, the pattern is similar:

• packaging keeps coming in

• plastic accumulates slowly

• scrap dealers lift mixed waste

• records look “okay enough”

• responsibility is assumed, not checked

Over time, plastic waste becomes invisible.

Then one day:

• an inspection happens

• a renewal question comes

• an auditor asks a simple question

“Where does your plastic finally go?”

And suddenly, everyone is uncomfortable.

This article exists to remove that discomfort.

Not by quoting rules.
Not by creating fear.
But by explaining how plastic waste compliance actually works on ground.

“Plastic waste problems don’t start on inspection day.
They start months earlier with small daily habits.”

A 5-Minute Plastic Waste Reality Check

Before reading further, pause for five minutes and answer honestly.

No files. No registers. Just your understanding.

• Do we know what plastic waste we generate?

• Do we know how much plastic leaves our site every month?

• Do we know who finally processes it?

• Can we explain this calmly, without panic?

If even one answer feels unclear, you are not alone.

Most EHS officers reach this stage because plastic waste feels:

• non-hazardous

• recyclable

• low-risk

• routine

That combination makes it easy to ignore.

What Counts as Plastic Waste (In Simple Words)

Plastic waste is not only what looks like plastic waste.

That assumption causes most gaps.

Plastic You Can See Easily

These are usually noticed and handled:

• stretch wrap and shrink films

• carry bags

• plastic liners

• bubble wrap

• discarded plastic containers or drums

These are visible, so people remember them.

Plastic People Commonly Forget

This is where trouble starts.

• secondary packaging from raw materials

• plastic sacks cut open and thrown

• carton tapes and plastic labels

• packaging removed during unpacking

• plastic wrap used only “temporarily”

Because this plastic is spread across departments, no one feels ownership.

A common line heard on site:

“This came with the material. It’s not really our waste.”

That assumption is incorrect.

Once plastic enters your premises and is discarded, it becomes your responsibility.

The “Morning Walk Test” (Very Important)

Here is a simple exercise that works in almost every factory.

One morning, before work pressure builds up, take a short walk through:

• the receiving area

• stores

• unpacking zone

• dispatch gate

Just observe. Don’t inspect.

Most sites discover:

• loose plastic films

• cut liners

• discarded wrap

• mixed plastic in scrap bins

In many factories, this walk reveals 30-40% more plastic waste than what is officially recorded.

This is not negligence.
It is blind spots.

What Are the New Plastic Waste Management Rules (2022)?

Earlier plastic waste rules focused mainly on disposal.

The assumption was:
“If waste is sent out, the job is done.”

In practice, this created problems:

• no clear ownership

• no tracking beyond the gate

• informal recycling channels

• plastic disappearing into scrap trade

The 2022 rules were introduced to fix this gap.

The biggest change is not paperwork.
The biggest change is thinking.

In simple terms:

Plastic waste is no longer treated as “throw-away waste”.
It is treated as a tracked material.

Someone must be responsible till it reaches an authorised end-use.

That is the core shift.

Official plastic waste management rules

The Real Change You Should Understand

Earlier mindset:

• store plastic

• call vendor

• get invoice

• file document

• close the topic

Current reality:

• identify plastic type

• track quantity

• ensure authorised processing

• keep continuity

This is why many experienced EHS officers feel uneasy today.

They are doing the same things as before, but the expectation has changed.

“Waste handed over is not waste finished.”

This single line explains most of the 2022 rules.

Why Plastic Waste Is Tricky Compared to Other Wastes

Plastic waste creates confusion because:

• it is not hazardous

• it is generated daily

• it looks recyclable

• it is handled by many vendors

Because of this, it often slips through systems that are otherwise well-managed.

Hazardous waste gets attention.
E-waste gets attention.
Plastic waste quietly moves out with scrap.

That is exactly why regulators started tightening control here.

What This Article Will Help You Do

This guide will help you:

• understand what actually counts as plastic waste

• see where most factories lose control

• know when EPR applies and when it does not

• manage vendors without confrontation

• keep records that actually protect you

• stay calm during inspections

This is not a rulebook.
This is a ground-reality guide.

How Plastic Waste Rules Evolved (2016 → 2022 → Today)

To understand today’s expectations, it helps to see how the thinking evolved.

Not the notifications.
The thinking.

The 2016 Rules - The Foundation Stage

The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 were the first serious attempt to bring structure.

At that time, the focus was mainly on:

• segregation

• collection

• basic disposal control

For factories, compliance usually meant:

• storing plastic separately

• handing it over to a recycler or scrap dealer

• keeping a bill or receipt

In most inspections, if plastic was not littered and records existed, it was considered acceptable.

This worked to an extent, but it had gaps.

EPR Traceability Challenges for Indian MSMEs

What Started Going Wrong on Ground

Between 2016 and 2020, a pattern became visible across many sites:

• plastic was handed over, but nobody checked where it finally went

• scrap dealers mixed plastic with other scrap

• recyclers sub-contracted work

• authorisations expired silently

• documents looked correct, but reality had changed

Plastic was leaving the factory, but not always reaching an authorised end-use.

This is where regulators realised something important:

The problem was not lack of rules.
The problem was lack of continuity.

The 2022 Shift - Why the Rules Changed

The 2022 update did not come because factories were careless.

It came because the system allowed plastic to disappear after leaving the gate.

So the rules moved from:
“Did you dispose it?”
to
“Can you show where it finally went?”

This is a big psychological shift.

It means:

• invoices alone are not enough

• vendor claims are not enough

• old certificates are not enough

What matters is:

• traceability

• authorisation

• continuity

This is why many EHS officers feel that inspections have become “uncomfortable” even when nothing wrong is being done.

The questions have changed.

What Is Commonly Seen in Practice Today

In 2024-2025, across many sites, a few patterns are commonly observed:

• inspectors ask about end-use, not just handover

• vendor authorisations are checked more carefully

• mixed scrap handling raises questions

• “vendor manages it” answers do not satisfy anymore

This does not mean enforcement is harsh.
It means expectations are clearer.

“Many factories are still working with a 2016 mindset in a 2025 system.”

Once this is understood, most confusion reduces.

The Big Shift: From Disposal to Responsibility

Let’s put this very simply.

Earlier Thinking (Still Common)

• Plastic is not hazardous

• Someone takes it away

• We have an invoice

• Compliance is done

This thinking is deeply ingrained and understandable.

Current Reality

• Plastic is tracked

• Someone must own it till processing

• End-use matters

• Records must connect logically

This is why a simple sentence matters so much:

“Waste handed over is not waste finished.”

If you understand this, half the rules make sense automatically.

The PLASTIC Rule (Easy Recall)

Use this word whenever plastic waste feels confusing.

• P - Plastic type identified

• L - Location of generation known

• A - Authorised vendor verified

• S - Segregation done at source

• T - Tracking quantity monthly

• I - Invoice + authorisation linked

• C - Continuity till end-use

If one letter is missing, risk exists.

This is not a legal rule.
It is a thinking tool.

What Is EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) - Without Confusion

EPR sounds complex, but the idea is simple.

Plastic packaging put into the market must be accounted for till recycling.

The responsibility lies with:

• Producers

• Importers

• Brand Owners

This group is often called PIBO.

The confusion happens when factories are not clear whether they fall in this group or not.

SME Plastic Waste EPR Guide: Are You a Brand Owner

The One-Line Test for EPR Applicability

Ask one simple question:

“Does plastic leave our gate with our brand name on it?”

• If yes → EPR applies

• If no → EPR usually does not apply

This one test removes most panic.

Many factories do not need to engage with EPR portals directly, but they still need to comply with Rule 11 responsibilities as waste generators.

Understanding this distinction is critical.

How EHS Managers Can Verify EPR Credits Before Audit

A Common Trap: “We Are Just a User”

Many units assume:
“We only use plastic internally. EPR is not our problem.”

That is often correct.

But EPR does apply if:

• you repackage goods under your brand

• you import packaged items

• your name or logo appears on packaging leaving the site

In such cases, the unit becomes a Brand Owner, not just a user.

This is a common blind spot.

Which Units Are Impacted Under Plastic Waste Rules

To simplify things, it helps to see impact levels.

High Impact Units

These units need the highest level of control:

• FMCG manufacturing

• brand owners

• packaging and repackaging units

• e-commerce fulfilment centres

Plastic is part of their product flow.

Medium Impact Units

These units generate plastic regularly but not as product packaging:

• pharma plants

• engineering units

• chemical units

Here, segregation and vendor control become critical.

Low Impact Units (But Not Exempt)

These units generate smaller quantities:

• offices

• IT parks

• warehouses

Low quantity does not mean zero responsibility.
It means simpler systems are enough.

Types of Plastic You Must Understand (Practically)

Plastic is not one category.

On ground, confusion usually happens because different plastics behave differently.

Broadly, factories deal with:

• rigid plastic (containers, drums)

• flexible plastic (films, wraps)

• multi-layered plastic (MLP)

• compostable plastic

• carry bags

Among these, multi-layered plastic causes the most trouble because recycling options are limited.

If MLP is mixed with other scrap without clarity, questions arise.

Why These Types Matter (Operationally)

Rigid plastic (drums, containers) usually goes with scrap and stores waste.
Risk is when it gets lifted by a scrap dealer who is authorised only for metal.

Flexible plastic (wrap, films) needs specialised recyclers.
Risk is when it goes to an informal shredder or gets mixed with scrap bills.

Multi-layered plastic (MLP) has limited recycling options.
Risk is when it quietly goes to landfill or “unknown disposal” because nobody wants it.

Simple inspection logic:
If you say “we segregate”, but all plastic types go to one vendor, with one invoice, and no breakup, questions will come.

What Are the Practical Rules of Plastic Waste Management (Factory View)

Instead of remembering rule numbers, it helps to think in terms of control points.

From a factory point of view, plastic waste management works if five things are under control:

1. Identification

2. Segregation

3. Quantity tracking

4. Authorised handover

5. Continuity of records

If these five are stable, most inspections remain calm.

Identification: Know What Plastic You Generate

The first failure usually happens here.

Many sites say:
“We generate very little plastic.”

What they actually mean is:
“We have not identified all plastic sources.”

Plastic is generated at:

• receiving

• unpacking

• stores

• production

• dispatch

If plastic is generated in five places but responsibility is assigned to one person, gaps appear.

Practical tip:
List plastic sources department-wise once.
After that, tracking becomes easier.

Segregation: Small Discipline, Big Impact

Segregation does not mean complex systems.

It means:

• plastic separate from metal scrap

• flexible plastic separate from rigid plastic

• no food waste mixed with plastic

Most problems start when plastic is mixed and sold as “scrap”.

Once mixed, it becomes difficult to prove authorised processing.

This is why inspectors often look at bins, not files.

A Note on Mixed Waste and Non-Recyclable Plastic

Some flexible and multi-layered plastics are hard to recycle.
In such cases, many factories use co-processing (sending waste as fuel to cement kilns) through authorised channels.

If your waste goes for co-processing, a co-processing certificate is one of the cleanest proofs that the waste did not end up in open dumping.

You don’t need to become an expert in co-processing.
Just ensure: the route is authorised and the proof is available.

Quantity Tracking: Why “Approximate” Is Not Enough Anymore

Earlier, approximate quantities were acceptable.

Today, questions are more specific:

• how much plastic last month?

• flexible vs rigid?

• sudden increase or decrease?

This does not mean you need a weighing bridge for plastic.

Simple methods work:

• weigh one bag

• count number of bags

• multiply consistently

What matters is logic, not precision.

One more practical reason to track monthly: it saves panic later.
When annual reporting time comes, your monthly numbers make the return filing much faster.

Many sites suffer not because they cannot file.
They suffer because they start searching for 12 months of data in one week.

Authorised Handover: The Core of Rule 11

Rule 11 exists for one reason:

Plastic waste must go only to authorised processors.

This sounds simple, but this is where most factories slip.

What “Authorised” Means in Practice

It means:

• recycler or processor has valid consent

• authorisation is current, not expired

• activity matches plastic type

A scrap dealer lifting plastic without authorisation creates exposure.

Even if intent is clean, responsibility remains with the generator.

Rule 11 Decoded: What Factories Must Actually Do

Instead of legal text, focus on actions.

What Rule 11 Expects From You

• segregate plastic waste

• store it safely

• hand it over only to authorised entities

• maintain proof of handover

That’s it.

No complex calculations.
No legal drafting.

Questions Inspectors Commonly Ask

During inspections, questions are usually simple:

1. Who takes your plastic waste?

2. Is the vendor authorised currently?

3. What happens to flexible and rigid plastic separately?

Clear answers create confidence.

Vague answers create follow-ups.

The Hidden Trap: Vendor Changes

This is a very common failure point.

A typical sequence seen on ground:

• factory appoints Vendor A

• Vendor A’s authorisation expires

• Vendor A subcontracts to Vendor B

• factory keeps receiving invoices

• inspection checks recycler details

At this point, the paper trail breaks.

Even though the factory acted in good faith, responsibility comes back.

Vendor Red Flags You Should Not Ignore

These signs usually indicate trouble later:

• vendor avoids sharing authorisation

• authorisation copy is very old

• recycler name missing on invoice

• no facility address mentioned

• answers change when questioned

You don’t need confrontation.
You need verification.

A quarterly authorisation check is usually enough.

Records That Actually Protect You

More records do not mean better compliance.

Useful records are simple and logical.

Records That Work During Inspections

• monthly plastic waste summary (kg)

• category-wise breakup

• current vendor authorisation

• handover slips or invoices

These records tell a story.

Records That Often Fail

• lump-sum scrap invoices

• no weight breakup

• expired certificates

• documents without dates

These create confusion instead of clarity.

The 30-Second Inspection Test

Imagine this question:

“Show me plastic waste details for last month.”

If you can show:

• quantity

• type

• vendor

• authorisation

within 30 seconds, the discussion usually stays calm.

If you need to search, explain, or justify, pressure builds.

How Plastic Waste Is Actually Checked on Site

Inspections do not start at the table.

They often start at:

• back gate

• scrap storage area

• stormwater drains

If plastic is found where it should not be, paperwork loses value.

This is why physical control matters more than files.

How to Use the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2022) PDF - Without Confusion

Most EHS officers download the Plastic Waste Management Rules PDF with good intent.

Then two things happen:

• the document feels heavy

• clarity reduces instead of improving

This is not because the PDF is wrong.
It is because not all parts are meant for factory-level use.

How to Read the PDF Smartly

For day-to-day factory compliance, focus only on:

• generator responsibilities

• authorised processor requirements

• applicable forms (if any)

These sections tell you what you must control on site.

What You Can Safely Skip (For Operations)

You do not need to spend time on:

• policy intent sections

• roles of urban local bodies

• EPR target calculations (unless you are a brand owner)

• penalty discussions

These are important at policy level, but they do not help you manage plastic waste on a factory floor.

A simple rule works well:

“If a section does not change what I do on site tomorrow, it is not my priority.”

One exception: if you are unsure about a material (like compostable plastic), quickly check the Definitions section in the PDF.
Definitions are the only “legal” part that directly changes day-to-day factory decisions.

Plastic Waste Rules for Exams vs Factory Reality

Many people search for plastic waste rules because of exams, interviews, or competitive tests.

That is fine.

But factory compliance works differently.

Exam Perspective

• focus on definitions

• focus on timelines

• focus on rule names

Factory Perspective

• focus on control

• focus on traceability

• focus on continuity

Problems arise when exam-style learning is applied to real operations.

On site, nobody asks:
“Which year was the amendment?”

They ask:
“Where did this plastic go?”

Plastic Waste Presentations: What Management Actually Wants

EHS officers often prepare detailed presentations full of rule references.

Most management teams are not looking for that.

What they want to know is simple:

• how much plastic we generate

• whether we are exposed to risk

• whether the system is under control

What Works in Internal Reviews

Slides that usually work well:

• monthly plastic quantity trend

• vendor list with authorisation validity

• gaps observed

• actions taken

This shifts the conversation from fear to control.

A Simple Plastic Waste Control System That Actually Works

Good plastic waste compliance does not need complex software or expensive consultants.

It needs discipline.

A minimum workable system is enough.

The Basic Setup

• one responsible owner

• one plastic waste register

• one vendor file

• one monthly review

This is sufficient for most units.

The First-Monday 15-Minute Ritual

This small habit prevents most surprises.

Once a month, preferably on the first Monday:

• check last month’s plastic quantity

• compare with previous month

• verify vendor authorisation validity

• take a photo of plastic storage area

• update a one-page summary

Fifteen minutes is enough.

This ritual keeps plastic waste visible.

Why This Works Better Than Firefighting

Most compliance issues are not sudden.

They build slowly:

• one missed check

• one expired authorisation

• one untracked quantity

Monthly review catches these early.

“Good compliance is not brilliance.
It is consistency.”

Final Ground Truth: The “Sleep-Well” Test

Ask yourself this simple question:

If an inspector asks at 3 PM on a Friday:
“Show me where last July’s plastic waste went.”

Can you answer calmly within ten minutes?

If yes, your system is working.
If no, you are depending on luck.

Plastic waste compliance is not about fear.
It is about visibility and control.

“Good compliance does not need brilliance.
It needs consistency.”

The Friday 3 PM Test

Ask yourself:

“If someone asks me at 3 PM on a Friday:
‘Show me where last July’s plastic went’
Can I answer calmly in 10 minutes?”

• If yes → system is working

• If no → system is missing visibility

This test never changes.
Rules may change. This test won’t.

Where This Fits in Your EHS Learning Path

This topic makes most sense when read:

• after understanding hazardous waste basics

• before moving to e-waste and Battery Waste Management Rules

Plastic waste builds daily discipline.

That discipline carries into every other compliance area.

A Simple One-Page Mental Checklist (Use This Anytime)

Whenever plastic waste feels confusing, come back to these five questions:

1. Do I know what plastic we generate?
   (Across receiving, stores, production, dispatch)

2. Do I know roughly how much goes out every month?
   (Logic matters more than perfect accuracy)

3. Is the vendor authorised today, not last year?
   (Expiry dates matter)

4. Can I explain where the plastic finally goes?
   (End-use, not just handover)

5. Is plastic visible on site, not hiding in corners?
   (Back gate and scrap area check)

If all five are under control, most problems disappear quietly.

Why Plastic Waste Compliance Feels Harder Than It Is

Plastic waste sits in an uncomfortable middle space.

• It is not dangerous enough to trigger urgency

• It is not valuable enough to trigger attention

• It moves daily, so it becomes background noise

That is why it causes anxiety during inspections.

Not because it is complex.
Because it is easy to ignore.

Once you accept that plastic waste needs light but regular control, things become simple.

A Note for Junior EHS Officers

If you are early in your career, remember this:

You are not expected to know everything.
You are expected to notice patterns.

Good EHS officers do not memorise rules.
They build systems that make mistakes visible early.

Plastic waste management is one of the best places to build that skill.

A Note for Plant Heads and Managers

If plastic waste keeps coming up during inspections, it is usually not because the EHS team is careless.

It is because:

• ownership is unclear

• systems are informal

• reviews are irregular

A small monthly check prevents large uncomfortable discussions later.

Support consistency.
Do not wait for a notice.

Final Reality Check

Plastic waste compliance does not improve by:

• adding more files

• adding more vendors

• adding more pressure

It improves by:

• clarity

• ownership

• small repeatable actions

“Most compliance problems start small.
Most compliance solutions are also small.”

Handled calmly, plastic waste is one of the easiest waste streams to control.

Handled casually, it becomes one of the most irritating during inspections.

Choose calm control over last-minute explanations.

FAQs EHS Officers Commonly Ask

Do small units need to comply?

Yes.
But the system can be simple.
Low quantity does not mean zero responsibility.

Is EPR mandatory for all factories?

No.

EPR applies mainly to Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners.

If plastic leaves your gate with your brand name, EPR applies.
Otherwise, focus on generator responsibilities.

Can scrap dealers take plastic waste?

Only if they are authorised for plastic handling.

If not, the risk stays with the generator.

Our plastic goes to a scrap dealer who sells to multiple recyclers. Is this compliant?

This is very common in Indian factories.

It can work only if you can clearly show the chain.
You should have:

• scrap dealer’s valid authorisation (for plastic handling, not only metal)

• invoices/records that mention where the plastic finally goes

• periodic checks that the onward recycler is still authorised

The practical test is simple:
If an inspector asks “who finally processes this plastic?” and the answer is “dealer will know”, you are exposed.

If you can name the recycler facility and show the link, you are safer.

What proof is usually enough?

• quantity records

• vendor authorisation

• handover evidence

Clarity matters more than volume of documents.

How long should records be kept?

As a safe practice, keep them for several years.

More importantly, ensure recent records are always clear and complete.

Do Plastic Waste Management Rules apply to small factories and offices?

Yes.

All units that generate plastic waste are covered.

However, scale matters.

Small units are expected to have:

• simple segregation

• basic quantity awareness

• authorised handover

They are not expected to run complex systems.

Low quantity means simpler control, not zero responsibility.

Is EPR mandatory for all factories?

No.

EPR mainly applies to:

• Producers

• Importers

• Brand Owners (PIBO)

A simple test helps:

“Does plastic leave our gate with our brand name on it?”

• If yes → EPR applies

• If no → focus on Rule 11 (generator responsibility)

Most manufacturing units are waste generators, not brand owners.

What is Rule 11 of Plastic Waste Management Rules in simple words?

Rule 11 says:

Plastic waste generated at your site must go only to authorised processors, and you must be able to show that.

In practice, this means:

• segregate plastic

• hand it over to an authorised vendor

• keep proof that makes sense

That’s it.

It is about control, not paperwork.

Can scrap dealers take plastic waste from factories?

Only if they are authorised for plastic handling.

Many scrap dealers are authorised for:

• metal

• paper
  but not plastic.

If plastic is handed over to an unauthorised dealer:

• intent does not matter

• responsibility comes back to the generator

Always check what the authorisation actually covers.

Our plastic goes to a scrap dealer who sends it to different recyclers. Is this allowed?

This is common, but it needs clarity.

It can work only if:

• the scrap dealer is authorised as an intermediary for plastic

• invoices or records show where the plastic finally goes

• the onward recycler is also authorised

Risk situation:
If you say “dealer will know” during inspection.

Safer situation:
If you can name the recycler and show the link.

What kind of records are actually required for plastic waste compliance?

Focus on logic, not volume.

Records that usually work:

• monthly plastic quantity summary

• type-wise breakup (rigid / flexible / MLP)

• current vendor authorisation

• handover invoices or slips

Big files with unclear data often fail.

How much plastic quantity accuracy is expected?

Exact precision is not expected.

What is expected:

• consistency

• logic

• reasonable estimation method

For example:

• weighing one bag and multiplying

• counting standard sacks

Wild variations without explanation raise questions.

What is the biggest mistake factories make with plastic waste?

Assuming:

“Vendor manages everything.”

Vendors manage movement.
Responsibility still sits with the generator.

This single assumption causes most inspection discomfort.

What should we do with non-recyclable or multi-layered plastic (MLP)?

MLP is difficult to recycle.

In many cases, it is sent for co-processing through authorised channels (e.g., cement kilns).

If co-processing is used:

• ensure the route is authorised

• keep the co-processing certificate

This clearly shows the waste did not end up in open dumping.

How often should vendor authorisations be checked?

Best practice:

• once every quarter

• and whenever a vendor changes recycler or facility

Do not rely on:

• old certificates

• “same vendor since years” logic

Expiry dates matter.

How long should plastic waste records be kept?

There is no harm in keeping records for several years.

Practically:

• ensure the last 12–24 months are always clear, complete, and accessible

• recent clarity matters more than old files

How is plastic waste checked during inspections?

Usually in two steps:

1. Physical check – bins, storage areas, back gate

2. Logic check – quantities, vendor, end-use explanation

If plastic is visible in wrong places, paperwork loses value.

What is the easiest way to stay inspection-ready?

Use the Friday 3 PM Test:

“If someone asks at 3 PM on a Friday:
‘Show me where last July’s plastic waste went’ -
can I answer calmly in 10 minutes?”

If yes → system is working
If no → visibility is missing

Is plastic waste compliance mainly about avoiding penalties?

No.

It is about:

• avoiding last-minute panic

• answering questions calmly

• showing basic control

Penalties usually come after long periods of neglect, not small gaps.

What mindset should EHS officers keep for plastic waste?

Remember this:

Plastic waste problems don’t start suddenly.
They build quietly.

Small monthly discipline beats:

• big explanations

• long files

• last-minute firefighting