CPCB Invites Public Comments on Draft Guidelines for Handling Waste Solar Panels
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released a draft of “Guidelines for Storage and Handling of Waste Solar Photo-Voltaic Modules or Panels or Cells” and is inviting comments and suggestions from all stakeholders. This initiative is in line with the provisions of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, aiming to ensure environmentally sound management of solar waste.
Deadline Extended for Filing FY 24-25 Annual Returns Under E-Waste Rules
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced an extension to the deadline for filing annual returns for the financial year 2024-25 under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The new deadline is June 30, 2025, extending the previous deadline of April 30, 2025.
India Emphasizes Circular Economy at Waste Recycling Conclave
The Minister projected a $2 trillion market value for India’s circular economy by 2050, with the potential to create 10 million jobs. He encouraged startups and recycled product developers to seize this opportunity.
India Strengthens E-Waste Management with Revised Rules and Online Portal
The focus on formalizing the sector, promoting scientific recycling, and holding producers accountable through EPR is expected to significantly improve how e-waste is handled and reduce its environmental impact.
Extended Deadline for Waste Tyre and E-Waste Management Report Filing
The deadline for filing reports for the financial year 2023-24 has been extended from January 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. This extension applies to all registered entities on the Waste Tyre EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Portal or the E-Waste EPR Portal. Entities can continue filing quarterly and annual reports, and the EPR portal will facilitate generation and transfer of EPR certificates.
India Strengthens E-Waste Management with New Action Plan
The rules introduced an improved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime, requiring manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers to register on a dedicated portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This move seeks to formalize the e-waste recycling sector, bringing informal operators into a regulated framework and ensuring environmentally sound recycling practices.
New Guidelines for E-Waste Processing Capacity Determination For Recyclers
The processing capacity of an e-waste recycling facility will be determined based on the capacity of the maximum hourly capacity of installed machinery and equipment, considering a maximum of 20 hours of operation per day. SPCBs/PCCs will grant CTOs specifying the annual processing capacity in terms of the weight of e-waste that the facility can handle. Standalone dismantling facilities can be allowed, but the recycler must take responsibility for the flow of materials and report it in their annual return.
Environmental Compensation Guidelines for E-Waste Management Introduced
EC guidelines will be applicable to entities involved in manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, refurbishing, dismantling, recycling and processing of e-waste or electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) listed in Schedule I, including their components, consumables, parts and spares which make the product operational.
Goa State PCB Notifies Additional Dismantlers Of E-Waste
GSPCB has authorized new units for E-waste dismantling. Bulk consumers are called to regularly dispose of E-waste through these authorized channels.
Government Extends Deadline for Filing E-Waste Returns
The MoEF&CC has now extended the deadline for registered entities to file quarterly and annual returns on their e-waste management activities. The last date for filing these reports for the 2023-2024 financial year is extended to June 30, 2024.
