e-Waste Management and Handling

GUIDELINES FOR DISPOSAL OF E-WASTE

Ministry of Environment and Forests has enacted the e-waste (management and handling) Rules which have come in to effect from 1^st May 2012.

Objective

E- Waste is defined as waste electrical and electronic equipment (which has lived it’s life), whole or in part or rejects from their manufacturing and repair process, which are intended to be discarded.

Electrical and Electronic products covered have been defined in the schedule I of the rule. These include computers, cell phones, printers, cordless phones, copying equipment, etc. Consumer electrical and electronic equipment covered include air conditioners (excluding central air conditioning plants), washing machines, television sets (LED, LCD), and refrigerators.

The objective of enacting the rule is to systematically recycle and dispose of e-waste generated by following environmentally sound recycling practices. The rule also places responsibility on the producer for e-waste generated from the “end of life” of their products in line with the principle of “extended producer responsibility” and to ensure that such e-waste is channelized to registered dismantler or recycler.

Failure to dispose of e-waste through authorised recyclers may lead to negative impact on environment like :

• Hazardous substances in the e-waste may contaminate earth, air, water, etc
• Oils, gases present may cause environmental pollution
• Synthetic material in the e-waste may also lead to pollution of environment
• Recycling materials will also reduce pressure on resources

Actions expected from customers

• Please ensure that old units to be discarded are handed over to authorised recycling agents only
• Please do not attempt to sell air conditioner or parts to unauthorised scrap dealers
• The e-waste shall not be mixed with house hold waste under any circumstances
• Do not simply discard the e-waste in land fills

For further details, visit Ministry of Environment and Forests web site at:
http://moef.nic.in/rules-regulations/e-waste-management-and-handling-rules-2011

Or Central Pollution Control Board web site at :
http://www.cpcb.nic.in/e_Waste.php

Helpline Numbers - 1860 2081 007

Any appliances bearing the following symbol shall not be disposed of as house-hold waste. It shall necessarily be handed over to an authorised recycler.