Disposal of E-Waste in the Country

E-waste is emerging as a major source of pollution in the country.Based on a survey carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it is estimated that 1.47 lakh MT of e-waste was generated in the country in the year 2005. This is expected to increase to about 8.0 lakh MT by 2012. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has taken a number of steps to ensure environmentally sound management of e-waste in the country. These include: (i) Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 have been notified for proper management and handling of hazardous wastes including e-waste. (ii) As per these Rules, e-waste recycling can be undertaken only in facilities authorized and registered with State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees. Waste generated is required to be sent or sold only to a registered or authorized recycler or re-processor having environmentally sound facilities. (iii) Guidelines for Environmentally Sound Management of e-waste published by Central Pollution Control Board provide the approach and methodology for environmentally sound management of e-waste. (iv) E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 have been notified on 12th May, 2011. These Rules come in to effect from 1st May 2012. Import of electronic waste for disposal is not permitted in the country. Import of such wastes is permitted only for reuse or recycling or reprocessing with the permission of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). For effective implementation of these provisions related to import and export, a co-ordination committee including representatives from the Ministry of Finance (Department. of Revenue), the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (DGFT), the Ministry of Shipping (Department. of Ports), the Central Pollution Control Board and select State Pollution Control Boards has been constituted. This committee has been working to sensitize the Customs authorities regarding enforcement of these Rules in order to check illegal import of E-waste into the country.