Waste management has become an emerging career prospect that presents a lucrative opportunity with attractive pay packages and growth potential. Sangeeta Yadav speaks with experts to bring you a report
With the rise in hi-tech technologies and mounting e-waste, the need of the hour is to build eco-friendly electronic recycling (e-recycling) units that can be reused. According to a study, the IT hub of Bangalore generates more than a thousand tonnes of electronic and electric waste every month.
Currently, India generates close to 1 million MT (metric tonne) e-waste which is expected to rise to 1.72 million MT by 2020. From computers, mobiles, cds, printers, calculators, scanners and TVs to white goods such as refrigerators and ACs, all discarded waste not only contains potentially dangerous chemicals and pollutants, but also metals, rare earth materials, plastic and glass that can be recovered, recycled and reused.
Many MNCs have tied up with Indian e-recycling companies and established R&D to design a more efficient and sustainable way to access recycling drop-off locations and other options for easily donating or recycling used electronic equipment.
Process of e-recycling
According to Rohan Gupta, COO, Attero Recycling: “Waste management functions from collecting the assorted garbage and then segregating it in the processing centre into recyclable, compostable and waste. It is transferred accordingly. What can be reused is cleaned, treated or sold as scrap or shifted to organised recycling units and the rest is disposed through natural processes like safe landfills. The waste produced from such goods contains various materials such as gold, silver, copper and platinum which can be processed for recovery and reuse.”
The company has undergone regular environmental audits and are ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified. “This ensures that our recycling uses one of the cleanest processes. Being a leader in this space and an IFC (World Bank Group) investee company, we follow the strictest environment practices,” Gupta adds.
In the printing arena, cartridges are a major holdup when it comes to recycling. “Customers tend to throw the used cartridges in the bins which never find the right place for recycling. HP designs the printing supplies with recycling in mind and has developed the a free and easy return and recycling programme called HP Planet Partners programme.
“In fact, HP recycles 95 per cent of the materials used in print cartridges and disposes of the remaining 5 per cent in an environmentally responsible manner,” Nitin Hiranandani, director, printing systems, PPS, HP, tells you.
Skills required
Waste management is a service-oriented industry that demands eco-conscious individuals who have a fervent desire to protect the environment.
“The passion to recycle, reuse and thus push towards sustainability is essential for carving a successful green career. It requires people from marketing, sales, engineering, technology, logistics amongst others.
Courses offered
Nowadays many institutes and colleges have started introducing waste management programmes. Students who are pursuing science can opt for this career option. A BE, BSc and MSc in Environmental Science, BTech, MBA in environment management, PhD in ecological sustainability are some of the courses which can lead you to the make a career in e-recycling field. UNESCO has an academic programme in this area of work while a number of universities in the UK and US offer specialisations.
These courses cover waste treatment, solid waste disposal systems, different kinds of waste recycling (plastic, metal, glass, paper, rubber, etc), waste water management, hazardous waste management etc.
Job prospects
Recycling of e-waste is a great venture for those interested in setting up their own entrepreneurship model as it assures financial gains. Potential job positions include public works services supervisor, hazardous waste engineer, landfill operator, waste collector, recycling supervisor, recycling program specialist, environmental coordinator, e-waste professional, solid waste manager, waste minimisation specialist, communications manager, environmental educator and so on.
Popular employers are Central and State Governments and non-profit associations apart from some private companies.
Remuneration
A fresher can expect a minimum salary of Rs15,000 and above. Those with slightly more experience can earn between Rs20,000 to Rs35,000 per month, while those with technical degrees can look at anything between Rs30,000 and Rs50,000.
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