Introduction

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices. With rapid technological advancement and increasing consumption of electronic products, e-waste management has become a critical issue worldwide. India, as one of the largest producers of e-waste, has implemented several regulations to manage e-waste effectively. This article explores the evolution of e-waste management regulations in India, highlighting key aspects of the E-waste (Management and Handling) Regulations, 2010, E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, and E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022.

E-Waste (Management and Handling) Regulations, 2010

The E-waste (Management and Handling) Regulations, 2010, marked the beginning of structured e-waste management in India. These regulations applied to producers, consumers, and bulk consumers involved in the manufacture, sale, purchase, and processing of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) specified in Schedule 1.

Exemptions:

- Batteries covered under Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001.

- Micro and small enterprises under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.

- Radioactive wastes under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

Key Procedures:

1. Authorisation and Registration: Entities handling e-waste must obtain authorisation and maintain records, submitting annual returns to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC).

2. Storage: E-waste can be stored for up to 180 days, with possible extensions under specific conditions.

3. Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS): Producers must ensure restricted use of hazardous substances like lead and mercury, updating product booklets accordingly.

 E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016

Building on the 2010 regulations, the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, expanded the scope to include dealers, e-retailers, and refurbishers.

Key Procedures:

1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Producers must obtain EPR authorisation from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and achieve recycling targets.

2. Authorisation: Manufacturers, dismantlers, and recyclers must obtain authorisation from the SPCB.

3. Storage and RoHS: Procedures remain largely similar to the 2010 regulations, with slight modifications for state-level exceptions.

E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022

The E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022, further refined and expanded the regulatory framework, introducing comprehensive responsibilities and stricter compliance measures.

Application:

The rules apply to manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, dismantlers, and recyclers involved in the entire lifecycle of e-waste.

Exemptions:

- Waste batteries under Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.

- Packaging plastics under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

- Micro enterprises under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.

- Radioactive wastes under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework:

1. Registration: Entities must register on the government portal and cannot operate without registration. Dealings with unregistered entities are prohibited.

2. Manufacturer Responsibilities: Manufacturers must collect and recycle e-waste, filing annual and quarterly returns.

3. Producer Responsibilities: Producers must meet EPR targets, ensuring proper recycling or disposal of e-waste.

4. Refurbished Responsibilities: Refurbishes must collect e-waste, hand it over to registered recyclers, and comply with standards set by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Bureau of Indian Standards.

5. Bulk Consumer Responsibilities: Bulk consumers must ensure their e-waste is handled by registered entities.

6. Recycler Responsibilities: Recyclers must adhere to CPCB standards, maintain records, and file returns, ensuring proper disposal of residues.

Storage Procedures:

E-waste storage follows the same guidelines as previous regulations, with exceptions managed by the CPCB.

Management of Solar PV Modules:

Manufacturers and recyclers of solar PV modules must register, store waste, maintain inventories, and file returns.

EPR Certificate Generation:

EPR certificates for recycling and refurbishing are generated by the CPCB, ensuring compliance through an online portal.

Compliances and Processes

1. Authorisation: Entities must obtain authorisation from the appropriate authority for handling e-waste.

2. Product Booklet: Manufacturers must include RoHS compliance details in product booklets.

3. Registration: Entities must register on the government portal.

4. Returns Filing: Annual and quarterly returns must be filed as per CPCB guidelines.

5. EPR Certificates: Producers must purchase EPR certificates from registered recyclers, filing returns online.

Registration Process:

E-waste management registration is mandatory for producers, manufacturers, recyclers, and refurbishes as per the E-waste Management Rules, 2022. Applications are filed online, with specific forms for authorisation and record maintenance.

Transportation and Accident Reporting:

E-waste transportation follows the manifest system, ensuring traceability and compliance. Accidents must be reported immediately to the SPCB.

Conclusion

India's evolving e-waste management regulations reflect a growing commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. The comprehensive frameworks established in 2010, 2016, and 2022 provide robust mechanisms for managing e-waste, reducing hazardous substances, and ensuring compliance. As technology continues to advance, effective e-waste management will remain crucial for safeguarding the environment and fostering sustainable development.

Research and writen - Pavani Singh