E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued e-waste management rules.
The government has notified the E-waste (Management) Rules 2022. These rules will come into force from April 1, 2023.
These rules shall apply to every manufacturer, dismantler and recycler involved in the manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, refurbishment, etc., of e-waste.
These rules have been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Key provisions of the new rules-
- The number of items falling under the e-waste category has been increased from 21 to
- It has been made mandatory for manufacturers, producers and refurbishers or recyclers to register under the Extended Producer Responsibility Framework.
- They can store e-waste for a maximum period of 180 Also, they have to maintain a record of e-waste.
- Manufacturers shall ensure that the final products are recyclable. In addition, components made by different manufacturers must be compatible with each other.
- Only that new equipment will be allowed to be imported or placed in the market, which are in compliance with the provisions.
- Such as lead, mercury, cadmium etc. in manufacturing. The use of hazardous substances must be reduced.
- The Central Pollution Control Board will monitor and verify compliance with the Rules on Reduction of Use of Hazardous Substances.
- E-waste refers to such electrical and electronic equipment, which is completely or partially thrown away as waste.
- These also include equipment taken out of use in the manufacturing, refurbishment and repair processes.
- India is the third largest producer of e-waste after China and the United States.
- Low grade infrastructure for e-waste recycling.
- Lack of awareness and financial incentives. Lack of data on generation of e-waste. Market mismanagement of expired product.
- Environmentally unsustainable activities in the informal sector. Inadequate arrangements for the design and implementation of the regulatory system.
Source – The Hindu
