Producers to be made responsible for collection of e-waste

Producers will be responsible for collection of e-waste generated from the end of life of their products by setting up collection centres or take back systems either individually or collectively.

Minister of state for environment and forests with independent charge Jayanthi Natarajan today told the Lok Sabha today that e- waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 have come in to effect from 1st May 2012. The rules were notified on 12th May 2011.

"The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility has been enshrined in these rules to make it a mandatory activity for the manufacturers of electronic and electrical equipments," Natarajan said.

The minster also said that the rules specified that collection centers are required to obtain authorization from the state pollution control board (SPCB) concerned within three months from the date of commencement of the rules.

Similarly, dismantlers and recyclers are required to obtain authorization and registration from SPCB concerned. E-waste generated is required to be sent to authorized and registered recyclers for environmentally sound disposal. The SPCBs can take action as per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) in case of any violation.

She also said the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) has notified the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008, for proper management and handling of hazardous wastes in the country.