The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has urged the Ministry of Environment Forest (MoEF) to develop an actionable strategy. This strategy aims to establish rigid enforcement of rules and enforce punitive measures against those who break the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. In the line of fire are offenders participating in unlawful activities such as recycling, collection, dismantling, burning, and selling of electronic waste on roadsides and riverbanks. These activities blatantly disregard the stipulations of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Understanding E-Waste
E-Waste, short for Electronic Waste, consists of outmoded or rejected electronic and electrical equipment. This could range from everyday appliances such as computers and mobile devices to industrial equipment discarded by consumers or manufacturers during refurbishment or repair processes. India has the unfortunate distinction of being the world’s fifth-largest producer of e-waste, generating well over 18 million tonnes annually.
The Need for Effective E-Waste Management
Proper management of e-waste is critical due to its toxic composition. E-waste contains harmful elements such as Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Chromium, Polybrominated biphenyls, and Polybrominated diphenyl. If not disposed of correctly, these toxic elements can cause monumental damage to human health and the environment. Incorrect disposal methods such as burning can lead to soil pollution, air pollution, and groundwater contamination.
The E-Waste Management Rules, 2016
The MoEF issued the E-Waste Management Rules in 2016, replacing the e-waste (Management & Handling) Rules of 2011, with an aim to enforce stricter norms. The updated rules included Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury-containing lamps in the list of regulated items.
The revised laws introduced the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), assigning targets to manufacturers. It made producers accountable for the collection of e-waste and its exchange. This allows multiple producers to form a separate Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) responsible for collecting e-waste and ensuring its environmentally friendly disposal.
Redefining The Role Of State Governments
The policies also outlined an expanded role for state governments, mandating them to ensure the safety and promote the skilling of workers involved in dismantling and recycling operations. Notably, a provision for penalties was also introduced for violations of these rules, further emphasizing the need for strict enforcement and adherence.
