India today sits on a huge mound of 8,00,000 tonnes of e-waste generated annually, adding a new dimension to the already difficult scenario of solid waste management.
Speakers at a seminar on “Management and handling of e-waste”, organised by the Civil Engineering Department of the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER) under the SOA University expressed concern over the burgeoning e-waste which requires immediate steps and new ideas to manage it.
“E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world, and a survey conducted in 2007 found that over 3,00,000 tonnes of e-waste was generated in India which is expected to touch 8,00,000 tonnes in 2013,” Member-Secretary of State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) lK Tiwari said while addressing the seminar.
Tiwari said that about 19,000 tonnes of the e-waste comprising various kinds of electronic gadgets including computers, mobile phones, televisions, washing machines, refrigerators and various other equipment, is recycled, of which 95 per cent is done in the unorganised sector. The dismantling and recycling of such goods are in the hands of the unorganised sector and the people working in these areas are exposed to various hazards including radiation. “It needs to be done in an organised manner,” he said.
Senior Scientist in the Ministry of Environment and Forest Dr NlNS Prasad also addressed the seminar, which was presided over by SOA University Vice-Chancellor Prof RP Mohanty. Prof BK Sarap, Prof RK Mishra and Prof MR Das also spoke.
Tiwari said guidelines for environmentally sound management of e-waste released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2008 provide guidance for identification of various sources of waste electrical and electronic equipment and prescribed procedures for handling the same. These guidelines also suggest the principles of producer responsibility and reduction of hazardous substances.
Dr Prasad said 65 Indian cities, headed by Mumbai, contributed more than 60 per cent of the total e-waste generated in the country. Pointing out that the mentality of Indian people being conservative, he said, “Generally, we don’t want to throw away anything. We have a mind to procure more but don’t dispose of old things.”
“The manufacturers of different electronic gadgets don’t think as to how the goods would be disposed of once they become useless. The best way to handle these gadgets would be through the manufacturers who should take back the used articles,” he said.
Stating that people also buy electronic gadgets like TVs and mobile phones even though the ones they own were still functional, Dr Prasad said another way of disposing of the old articles would be to either gift them to someone in need or sell them for a nominal amount.
Prof Mohanty said the SOA University would be happy to collaborate with the SPCB to take up research projects on e-waste management.