
Context: According to a recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India collected just 10 percent of the electronic waste (e-waste) generated in 2018-19 and 3.5 percent of that generated in 2017-18.
More on the news:’
- The figures have taken into account the 21 types of electrical and electronic equipment listed in the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016.
- Under the guidelines, the environment ministry had made the producers responsible for collection of end-of-life electronic products as part of the Extended Producer Responsibility, in line with the global best practice.
- uter monitors, mobile phones, chargers, motherboards, headphones, television sets, among other appliances.
Highlights of the report:
- According to the report, India generated 708,445 tonne e-waste in 2017-18 and 771,215 tonne the following fiscal.
- In 2019-20, the figure rose 32 per cent to 1,014,961 tonne.
- 1,630 producers were extended EPR authorisation. CPCB issued show-cause notices to many producers for not meeting collection targets for 2018-19.
- The volume of e-waste that a dismantler or recycler was handling increased over time but the shed area of these units remained the same.
E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016:
- Will replace e-waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016.
- Objective: The norms have been made more stringent and reflect the government’s commitment to environmental governance.
- Definition expanded: The E-waste rules will now include Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury containing lamps, as well as other such equipment.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): For the first time, the Rules will bring the producers under EPR, along with targets.
- Under this, the producers have been made responsible for collection of E-waste and for its exchange.
- The bulk consumers must collect the items and hand them over to authorized recyclers.
- Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO): The producers can have a separate Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) and ensure collection of E-waste, as well as its disposal in an environmentally sound manner.
- The role of State Governments: Has also been introduced to ensure safety, health and skill development of the workers involved in dismantling and recycling operations.
Source: DTE