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Electronic Waste (E-Waste) means electrical and electronic equipment, whole or in part, discarded as waste by the consumer or bulk consumer, as well as rejects from manufacturing, refurbishment, and repair processes. It comprises of end of life information technology and telecommunication (IT & Telecoms) equipment such as centralized data processing, mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, laptops, printers, use terminals, cellular phone, etc. and end of life consumer electrical and electronics such as television sets, refrigerator, air conditioner, washing machine and fluorescent and other mercury containing lamps. This equipment, along with its EEE code, is listed in Schedule I of the rules (Annexure 1)
Yes, E-waste contains hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), etc.
E-waste can cause health risks and damage to the environment if the E-waste is opened up and attempts are made for the retrieval of useful components or material in an unscientific manner, or if the material is disposed of in an open manner. The electronic and electrical equipment after their useful life may not cause any harm if stored safely in households/stores.
The management of E-Waste in India is regulated through E-Waste (M) Rules, 2016, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Further, the rules have been amended in 2018. Digital copies of these rules are uploaded to CPCB’s website.
The overall objective of E-Waste(M) rules, 2016 is to take all steps required to ensure that e-waste is managed in a manner that shall protect health and the environment against any adverse effects that may result from such e-waste.
Electronic Waste (E-Waste) means electrical and electronic equipment, whole or in part, discarded as waste by the consumer or bulk consumer, as well as rejects from manufacturing, refurbishment, and repair processes. It comprises of end of life information technology and telecommunication (IT & Telecoms) equipment such as centralized data processing, mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, laptops, printers, use terminals, cellular phone, etc. and end of life consumer electrical and electronics such as television sets, refrigerator, air conditioner, washing machine and fluorescent and other mercury containing lamps. This equipment, along with its EEE code, is listed in Schedule I of the rules (Annexure 1)
Yes, E-waste contains hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), etc.
E-waste can cause health risks and damage to the environment if the E-waste is opened up and attempts are made for the retrieval of useful components or material in an unscientific manner, or if the material is disposed of in an open manner. The electronic and electrical equipment after their useful life may not cause any harm if stored safely in households/stores.
The management of E-Waste in India is regulated through E-Waste (M) Rules, 2016, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Further, the rules have been amended in 2018. Digital copies of these rules are uploaded to CPCB’s website.
The overall objective of E-Waste(M) rules, 2016 is to take all steps required to ensure that e-waste is managed in a manner that shall protect health and the environment against any adverse effects that may result from such e-waste.
The salient features of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 are as follows:
Extended Responsibility to producers to manage a system of E-waste collection and channelisation through EPR Authorisation.
To promote and encourage the establishment of an efficient e-waste collection mechanism
Promote Environmentally Safe & Sound Recycling by channelizing E-waste to authorized dismantlers and recyclers of e-waste
To minimize illegal recycling/recovery operations
Reduce Hazardous substances in Electrical and Electronic components.
The Environmentally Sound Management of e-waste means taking all steps required to ensure that e-waste is managed in a manner that shall protect health and the environment against any adverse effects that may result from such e-waste.
Electrical & Electronic Equipment (EEE), including their components, consumables, parts, and spares, which make the product operational as listed in Schedule I of the said Rule, are applicable for EPRA. The HS codes for Equipment and their spares, which are applicable for EPRA, are listed in Annexure-II and Annexure-III
Under the E-Waste (M) Rules, 2016, 'Electrical and Electronic Equipment' (EEE) means equipment which are dependent on electric current or electromagnetic field in order to become functional.
A. E-waste contains useful material of economic benefit, such as plastics, iron, glass, aluminum, copper, precious metals such as silver, gold, platinum, palladium and indium etc and rare earth elements such as lanthanum, neodymium etc. and hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury etc. and other toxic substances such as polychlorinated bi-phenyls, etched chemicals, etc. The most complex mix of substances is usually present in the printed circuit boards (PCBs)/ printed wiring boards (PWBs).