Electronic waste, often referred to as e-waste, has been making headlines recently due to an order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). After noting substantial deficiencies in the enforcement of e-waste management regulations, NGT has decreed that the scientific disposal of e-waste should be ensured in accordance with the set rules. This instruction has been issued to both central and state pollution control boards.
Understanding E-Waste
E-waste is the term coined for old, discarded, or end-of-life electronic appliances, along with their components, consumables, parts, and spares. The classification of e-waste is divided into two broader categories: information technology and communication equipment, and consumer electrical and electronics.
In India, laws governing e-waste management have been in effect since 2011. These mandate that only authorized dismantlers and recyclers are permitted to collect e-waste. In 2017, the E-Waste(Management) Rules, 2016 were enacted. Furthermore, India’s first e-waste clinic was established in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh for segregating, processing, and disposing of waste produced by households and commercial units.
E-waste Generation in India
According to the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India’s e-waste generation increased from 7 lakh tonnes in 2017-18 to over 10 lakh tonnes in 2019-20. However, the e-waste dismantling capacity has remained stagnant at 7.82 lakh tonnes since 2017-18. The Ministry of Environment reported to the tribunal in 2018 that 95% of e-waste in India is unscientifically disposed of by the informal sector and scrap dealers through burning or dissolving in acids.
Directions from the National Green Tribunal
NGT has insisted on further actions for the scientific enforcement of E-Waste Management Rules, 2016(EWMR). This decision was taken based on CPCB’s reports that showed a gap in meeting collection targets, and clear governance deficits. The tribunal raised concerns over a large number of accidents in residential areas due to unscientific handling of e-waste, urging constant vigilance in potential hotspots. It directed state pollution control boards to identify such hotspots and coordinate with District Administration to prevent environmental damage and ensure rule of law is enforced.
E-Waste Management Rules, 2016
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change superseded the E-waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011 with the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016. This new set of rules broadened the scope to include over 21 products such as the Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury-containing lamps.
For the first time, producers were brought under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), with specific targets. They were made accountable for the collection of e-waste and its exchange. An added economic tool, the Deposit Refund Scheme, was introduced, where an extra amount charged during the sale of electronic equipment is refunded along with interest when the end-of-life product is returned.
State governments were also assigned roles to ensure the safety, health, and skill development of workers involved in dismantling and recycling operations. Penalties for rule violations were introduced, while Urban Local Bodies were tasked with collecting and channelizing orphan products to authorized recyclers. The rule also mandated allocation of proper space to existing and upcoming industrial units for e-waste dismantling and recycling.