Recently, the government notified E-waste (management) Rules, 2022
which will come into force from 1 April, 2023 and apply to every
manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, dismantler and recycler of e-waste.
Key Provisions
Increased the number of items to 106 (Earlier 21) that come under
e-waste category.
Compulsory registration under the Extended Producer
Responsibility Framework.
Can store the e-waste for a period not exceeding 180 days.
Shall maintain a record of e-wastes.
Manufacturers make end product recyclable.
Products by different manufacturers need to be compatible with each
other.
Reduce the use of hazardous substances like lead, mercury,
cadmium among others in the manufacturing.
‘Environmental compensation’ to be provided by the companies that
don’t meet their target.
Central Pollution Control Board shall monitor and verify the
compliance of reduction of hazardous substance.
About E-waste
Electronic-Waste is a term used to describe old, end-of- life or
discarded electronic appliances.
E-waste is generated from components, consumables, parts and
spares as well as manufacturing, refurbishment and repair processes.
India is third-largest producer of e-waste after China and United
States.
95% of e-waste in India is recycled by the informal sector.
India’s first e-waste clinic has been set up in Bhopal, MP.
Challenges
Inadequate regulation, enforcement and penal laws.
Poor Infrastructure for e- waste management.
Lack of awareness among various stakeholders.
Currently Recycling practices are environmentally unsustainable
and dominated by informal sector.
No tracking and mismanagement of end of life products.
