E-waste recycling framework
Recently the Environment Ministry this week released its Draft E-waste Management Rules which set fresh standards for businesses to adhere to when it comes to recycling electronic waste.
The draft E-waste management rules apply a system of trading certificates similar to carbon credits. This allows companies to temporarily address gaps in target achievement.
Key provisions of the rules-
- These rules have been made under the powers given to the central government under the Environment (Protection) Act, These rules will replace the 2016 rules and amendments made therein.
- Consumer goods companies and manufacturers of electronics goods must ensure that they collect and recycle at least 60 percent of their electronic waste by
- For the year 2024 and the year 2025, this target has been fixed at 70 percent and 80 percent respectively.
- These rules cover manufacturers, producers, recyclers under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.
- These will have to be registered with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- A Steering Committee will oversee the overall implementation of the regulations. The committee will be headed by the chairman of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- The rules have also included the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in the list of authorities. BIS will be responsible for issuing standards for refurbished products
- A system has been devised for companies to obtain Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certification under the rules.
Key Terminology
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy measure. Under this, producers are given significant financial/material responsibility for the treatment or disposal of post-consumption products.
- In the year 2012, India for the first time introduced EPR for the management of e-waste.
- Plastic manufacturers were also included under the EPR regime after the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 (PWMR) were notified in the year
- E-waste means such electrical and electronic equipment, which is completely or partially thrown away as waste. It is also excluded from the manufacturing, refurbishment and repair processes.
Source – The Hindu
