India is taking a firm stance against manufacturers who are not doing their part in addressing the growing e-waste crisis. The country, the world’s third largest e-waste generator after China and the US, is facing a mounting challenge with the rapid accumulation of discarded smartphones, printers, and circuit boards. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is stepping up enforcement efforts to ensure that companies comply with recycling regulations.
Over the next month and a half, the CPCB will conduct audits of various companies, scrutinizing their adherence to standard operating procedures for recycling electronic goods. Companies found to be shirking their responsibilities will face penalties. These penalties, collected as environmental compensation (EC), will be used to fund environmental protection initiatives.
The E-waste (Management) Rules, 2024, issued in March, empower the CPCB to monitor and impose fines on violators. The rules introduce a tiered penalty system, with the severity of the fine varying depending on the industry and category of electronic product. For example, the penalty for consumer electronics will differ from that for IT equipment.
The build-up of e-waste is a pressing issue in India, driven by a combination of factors. The surge in electronics use coupled with ever-shortening product lifecycles has resulted in a significant influx of discarded electronic devices. The existing recycling infrastructure is insufficient to cope with this influx, and public awareness about responsible e-waste disposal remains low.
The consequences of this unchecked e-waste build-up are severe. Toxic chemicals leach from discarded electronics, contaminating soil, water, and air. This poses a significant risk to human health, especially for the numerous workers who collect, sort, and dispose of e-waste. The challenges in resource recovery from this burgeoning e-waste stream further exacerbate the situation.
Experts like Anjal Prakash, Research Director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to tackling the e-waste crisis. This includes strengthening regulations and enforcement, expanding recycling infrastructure, and raising public awareness. Implementing take-back schemes, incentivizing manufacturers to design eco-friendly products, and encouraging technological advancements in resource recovery are crucial steps towards establishing a circular economy.
India has taken significant strides towards addressing this challenge, with the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates, a concept already implemented in Europe. Manufacturers are now obligated to either process and recycle the electronics they produce or purchase these certificates, which demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability. This move shifts the responsibility for e-waste management from consumers to the manufacturers.
Companies like Panasonic, which manufactures switchgear, home appliances, and LED lights, are already taking proactive steps. They partner with CPCB-registered and certified recyclers, ensuring that e-waste is disposed of responsibly and safely. Panasonic’s Harit Umang program, aimed at educating youth about responsible e-waste disposal, further reinforces their commitment to sustainable practices.
The CPCB will set price limits for exchanging EPR certificates, with the highest price equivalent to 100% of the environmental compensation for failing to meet EPR obligations and the lowest price at 30%. This incentivizes manufacturers to prioritize recycling and adhere to environmental regulations.
The new regulations aim to formalize the informal sector, which often engages in unsafe recycling practices, ensuring that e-waste is recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
Despite these efforts, the challenges remain significant. Inadequate infrastructure for collection and recycling, low consumer awareness, and a lack of incentives for manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices continue to hinder progress. The rapid pace of e-waste generation outstrips the development of effective recycling facilities, posing ongoing environmental and health risks.
The global e-waste problem is escalating rapidly. According to the UN’s fourth Global E-waste Monitor report, 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2022, and this figure is projected to increase at a rate five times faster than documented e-waste recycling. This widening gap between e-waste generation and recycling poses a critical threat to the environment and human health.
India’s e-waste crisis is a reflection of a global challenge. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach, involving governments, manufacturers, consumers, and the recycling sector. Only through concerted efforts can we mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with e-waste and build a more sustainable future.
