It is a year since the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 have been implemented in India. Emphasising on the concept of Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) enshrined in the rules, Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests has stated that the producers are required to collect e-waste generated from the end of life of their products by setting up collections centres or take back systems either individually or collectively. E-waste recycling can be undertaken only in facilities authorised and registered with State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committee (PCCs).
Wastes generated are required to be sold to a registered or authorised recycler or re-processor having environmentally sound facilities. The rule has provision for setting up of Collection Centre individually or jointly; or by a registered society or a designated agency; or by an association to collect e-waste.
She further stated that the SPCBs/PCCs can take action as per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 in case of any violation. Under the e-waste rules, 2011, in case of non-compliance with any of the conditions of the authorisation or with any provision of the Act or the rules, the SPCB/PCC may cancel or suspend the authorisation issued under these rules for such period as it considers necessary in the public interest. The SPCB or PCC may also give directions to the persons whose authorisation has been suspended or cancelled for the safe storage of the e-waste and such persons shall comply with such directions.