Page 10 - CIJ May 2023 Digital Edition

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E-waste recycling increased over five years

But 67% of e-waste remains unprocessed

ndia recycled only 32.9% of the 16,01,155 tonnes of e-waste
the e-waste generated in 2021- generated, 5,27,131 tonnes (32.9%)
2022, data from the Ministry were recycled. In 2020-21, 26.33%
Iof Environment, Forest and of e-waste was processed, while
Climate Change shows. While the in 2019-20, the figure stood at
figure has gone up from previous 22.07%. It was 21.35% in 2018-19
years, it indicates that a staggering and 9.79% in 2017-18.
10,74,024 tonnes (67%) of e-waste The data also shows that in
remained unprocessed. 2021-22, Haryana collected and
Unprocessed e-waste poses a risk processed the largest amount of
to health and the environment as it e-waste at 2,45,015.82 tonnes.
contains several toxic substances A 2020 report by the Global & Information Technology,
acknowledges that the “most
such as lead, cadmium, mercury, E-Waste Monitor notes that India formidable” challenge to e-waste
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), has the highest e-waste generation management is in the informal
etched chemicals, arsenic and in South Asia. It is also the only sector. In its vision for 2030, the
asbestos, which can be hazardous country in the region to have laws report suggests regulating the
if not disposed of in a scientific on the collection and disposal informal sector through legislation,
manner. If not segregated from of e-waste. The report states, robust data collection and an online
other solid waste that finds itself at “Legislation in India has been a portal for transparency.
landfills, these toxic chemicals may driver for the setting up of formal
leach into the soil and hence pose recycling facilities… However, The government’s new rules in
an environmental risk. formal recycling capacity remains e-waste management took effect
Several agencies, including underutilised, as the large majority last month. These rules restrict
the manufacturing of electronic
the United Nations, have said of the waste is still handled by the components that contain hazardous
that untreated e-waste also ends informal sector.” substances such as lead and
up in informal industries where The Centre for Science and mercury beyond the maximum
children are employed to dismantle Environment has called the prescribed concentration. They
electronics. Exposure to chemicals informal sector “the backbone also provide for the “recognition
such as lead and mercury can of e-waste recycling in India”, and registration, skill development,
adversely affect children’s growth as it reportedly handles 90% of monitoring and ensuring safety
and development. the country’s e-waste. A 2020 and health, of workers involved
According to the data provided report by Greene, an initiative in dismantling and recycling of
by the ministry, in 2021-22, of by the Ministry of Electronics e-waste”, the ministry has said.

Cipla recognised as ESG champion

t KPMG’s ESG Conclave Governance through its advanced setting wide-ranging multi-
and Awards 2023 Cipla initiatives. Cipla’s reduction of stakeholder goals.
Limited has been awarded its scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions, This recognition exemplifies
Athe ESG Champion water usage and waste generation the company’s commitment
Award in the ‘Pharmaceutical & from their operations in FY22 towards environmental, social and
Healthcare sector’ category by were outstanding facets under its governance stewardship. Cipla has
KPMG at their ESG Conclave and environmental stewardship. Apart been investing in greener technology
Awards 2023, held in Mumbai. from its diversity & inclusion and processes, creating social
The company emerged as a initiatives, Cipla also fared well impact for communities, and serving
‘Champion’ across all three pillars given its strong measures on markets to promote healthier people
of Environmental, Social and compliance, transparency and and a healthier planet.

MAY 2023•Clean India Journal
10 www.cleanindiajournal.com