Disposal of E-Waste

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has notified the E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 for effective management of e-waste in the country. These Rules have come in to effect from 1st May 2012. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility has been enshrined in these rules to make it a mandatory activity for the manufacturers of electronic and electrical equipments. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests.

She further stated that under this the producers are responsible for collection of e-waste generated from the end of life of their products by setting up collection centers or take back systems either individually or collectively. As per these Rules, E-waste recycling can be undertaken only in facilities authorized and registered with State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees. Waste generated is required to be sent or sold to a registered or authorized recycler or re-processor having environmentally sound facilities.

She said that the MoEF has taken a number of steps to ensure environmentally sound management of e-waste in the country. These include:

(i) The Guidelines for Environmentally Sound Management of e-waste, published by Central Pollution Control Board, provide approach and methodology for environmentally sound management of e-waste.

(ii) The Ministry is implementing a Scheme to provide financial assistance for setting up of treatment, disposal and storage facility for hazardous and integrated recycling facilities for E-waste on public private partnership mode.