More and more use of cell phones has created a new but dangerous stream of waste known as "electronic waste" or simply e waste. As per one survey, nearly 8 lakhs tons of e waste will be generated in India by the end of 2012. E-waste is made up of multiple components some of which contain toxic substances that have an adverse impact on human health and environment. These problems arise out of improper recycling and disposal methods.
Lead exerts toxic effects on various systems of the human body such as the central and peripheral nervous system and reproductive systems of males and females. Mercury causes damage to the genitourinary system (tubular dysfunction), the central peripheral nervous system and the foetus. Cadmium components when settled in the body, specially in the kidneys can cause carcinogenicity. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) affect the lungs, skin and bladder.
In order to tackle the issue of e-waste, the Government of India has enacted the following legislations:
1. The Municipal Solid Waste ( Management and Handling ) Rules, 2000.
2. The Hazardous Wastes ( Management and Handling ) Rules, 2003.
3. The Draft Hazardous Materials (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2007.
These laws cover generation, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste but do not propose a streamlined collection mechanism. Most countries that have drafted regulation on e-waste (i.e. European Union) have sought the participation and involvement of producers, as they are best equipped to address both upstream and downstream solutions in view of the complex material composition of such products.
The framework of Extended producers Responsibility (EPR) shifts the responsibility of safe disposal on to the producers. So it will be recycled in an environment friendly manner. The EPR models being implemented in many developed countries need to be suitably altered to suit the localised conditions prevailing in the country.
There is an urgent need to bring together all the stake holders and engage them in a debate to find sustainable solutions. The legislation should address the problem of imports as well as the domestic waste. Finally, it is suggested that major municipal corporations should take the responsibility of collecting of e-waste directly from consumers in order to hand over to a recycler.
Manohar Mattu's Blog
