The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has published a detailed set of guidelines for the implementation of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, The guidelines’ central feature is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a legal mandate requiring every manufacturer of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to ensure that their end-of-life products are properly channeled to authorized dismantlers and recyclers. This authorization is now mandatory for all producers, including importers and e-retailers.
Key Provisions for Producers
To obtain EPR authorization, every producer must submit a comprehensive EPR Plan in Form-1 to the CPCB. This plan must include:
- E-Waste Generation Estimates: A method for calculating the estimated quantity of e-waste based on the average lifespan of their products (e.g., 6 years for a PC, 9 years for a washing machine).
- Collection Targets: A phase-wise collection target, starting at 30% of the estimated waste generated for the first two years, increasing to 50% in the fifth and sixth years, and reaching 70% from the seventh year onward.
- Channelization Schemes: Details of how the producer will collect and channelize e-waste through take-back systems, collection centers, or by engaging a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
- RoHS Compliance: A self-declaration and supporting technical documents confirming that the products comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) parameters.
Defined Roles for All Stakeholders
The guidelines provide clear operational standards for all entities involved in the e-waste value chain:
Dismantlers must be authorized by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and are limited to manual segregation and physical dismantling. They are strictly prohibited from carrying out any chemical or melting processes and cannot handle items like fluorescent lamps, CRTs, or LCD/Plasma TVs.
Recyclers are permitted to conduct more advanced operations, including shredding, chemical leaching, and pyro-metallurgical processes. They must have adequate facilities for treating wastewater and controlling air pollution.
Refurbishers are required to obtain a one-time authorization from SPCBs. They must ensure that any e-waste generated during their operations is sent to an authorized recycler.
Consumers and Bulk Consumers are mandated not to dispose of e-waste in municipal bins. Consumers should hand over end-of-life products to authorized collection systems. Bulk consumers must create dedicated disposal bins for items like fluorescent lamps and ensure they are handled properly to avoid breakage and mercury release.
Collection, Storage, and Transportation
The rules establish strict guidelines for the entire process. E-waste can be stored for a maximum of 180 days (extendable to 365 days) in a manner that prevents breakage and the release of hazardous materials. The transportation of e-waste must be done using a manifest system in Form-6, with the sender responsible for ensuring safety.
These comprehensive guidelines represent a significant step toward creating a formal and transparent system for e-waste management in India, holding all stakeholders accountable for their role in protecting the environment.