Latest news with #E-Waste(Management)Rules
Time of India
7 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Uncertain of e-waste volume, Punjab starts statewide audit of sources
Chandigarh: To clamp down on and track electronic waste, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has launched a statewide mapping exercise to identify and catalogue all e-waste sources. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative aims to compile a comprehensive inventory of bulk consumers, repair and dismantling units, authorised recyclers, and informal sector operators across Punjab. Electronic waste includes discarded electrical and electronic equipment—from refrigerators and washing machines to computers, mobile phones, televisions, and small appliances. Proper disposal is vital to protect public health and environment: it prevents the release of toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, and mercury into soil and water, and conserves valuable resources. In contrast, uncontrolled dumping or informal dismantling can contaminate ecosystems, harm human health, and contribute to resource depletion. At present, PPCB only receives data from industrial sources that voluntarily report their e-waste figures. Information from the informal sector and smaller generators remains largely unknown. With e-waste emerging as one of the fastest-growing waste streams, regulators see this inventory as essential to bringing unmonitored actors under formal oversight. PPCB senior officer Parveen Saluja, who oversees e-waste management, said they were in the process of engaging experienced consultants to conduct a comprehensive statewide survey on e-waste. An expression of interest (EoI) has been invited for this purpose. The survey will cover a wide range of stakeholders, including bulk consumers, service centres, repair shops, collection points, informal dismantlers, recyclers, and others involved in the e-waste ecosystem. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The selected agency will be responsible for collecting field data, compiling records, and delivering detailed reports, which will guide the state in formulating robust strategies for e-waste collection, recycling, and safe disposal. PPCB officials added the findings from this exercise will form the backbone of a state action plan on e-waste, enhance compliance monitoring, and curb illegal handling and disposal practices. They also emphasised the importance of raising awareness among consumers and informal sector workers about the hazards of improper e-waste disposal—an effort they believe will promote more responsible and sustainable practices across the board. By combining data-driven governance with grassroots engagement, Punjab hopes to establish a cleaner, more sustainable framework for managing its burgeoning e-waste challenge. BOXES Responsible handling a must Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, every stakeholder in the e-waste lifecycle bears specific obligations to ensure responsible handling and recycling. These rules apply to all electrical and electronic equipment listed in Schedule I—along with their components and spares—and cover producers, manufacturers, importers, refurbishers, collection centres, recyclers, and bulk consumers. Rules for producers, manufacturers Producers and manufacturers must register with the Punjab Pollution Control Board, establish and finance collection systems, and guarantee environmentally sound take-back, recycling, or disposal of their products under an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework. Authorisation must for recyclers, dismantlers Recyclers and dismantlers are required to obtain authorisation, follow prescribed processes such as safe dismantling, shredding, and material separation, and maintain detailed records of all quantities handled. Bulk consumers—large offices, institutions, and similar organisations—must channel their end-of-life equipment exclusively to authorised collection points or recyclers. By embedding these obligations throughout the e-waste chain, the rules promote a circular economy, conserve valuable resources, and mitigate the environmental and health risks posed by toxic substances in discarded electronics. NEED FOR AUDIT Uncontrolled dumping or informal dismantling can contaminate ecosystems, harm human health, and contribute to resource depletion At present, PPCB only receives data from industrial sources that voluntarily report their e-waste figures Information from the informal sector and smaller generators remains largely unknown With e-waste emerging as one of the fastest-growing waste streams, regulators see this inventory as essential to bringing unmonitored actors under formal oversight
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India drafts solar waste rules as capacity crosses 100 GW, eyes 6 lakh tonne disposal by 2040
New Delhi: India is projected to generate over 34,600 tonnes of solar photovoltaic (PV) waste by 2030, according to draft guidelines released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which has proposed a detailed framework for handling end-of-life solar modules, panels, and cells. The draft guidelines titled 'Safe Handling and Disposal of Solar Photovoltaic Modules, Panels, and Cells', released on May 30, 2025, outline roles and responsibilities of manufacturers, bulk consumers, dismantlers, and recyclers under the existing E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. According to the CPCB, India had installed over 73 GW of solar capacity as of March 2023, and the country's cumulative PV waste generation is expected to increase significantly from approximately 100 tonnes in 2020 to 600,000 tonnes by 2040. The waste volume is estimated to reach 34,600 tonnes by 2030. The guidelines state, 'Solar PV waste consists of various materials such as glass, aluminum, silicon, plastics and heavy metals like lead, cadmium and antimony. Improper handling or disposal can pose serious risks to human health and the environment.' Under the proposed rules, producers and bulk consumers must ensure end-of-life management of solar equipment. They are required to channel waste only through registered dismantlers and recyclers. The CPCB has emphasized that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will apply to producers involved in manufacturing, importing, or selling solar PV modules or panels in India. 'Producers shall register on the CPCB's EPR portal and provide yearly returns on the quantity of solar PV modules placed in the market and quantity of waste collected and recycled,' the draft notes. The draft guidelines also include provisions for setting up collection centers or take-back systems by producers to facilitate the return of used modules. Bulk consumers, including government institutions and large industrial users, will also be required to store PV waste in a safe manner and hand over the waste only to authorized dismantlers. For dismantlers and recyclers, the guidelines propose technical standards for dismantling operations, storage infrastructure, leachate control, and record-keeping. Recycling units must obtain consent to operate under the Water and Air Acts and must maintain an online record of the quantity and type of PV waste processed. The CPCB has called for public comments on the draft by June 29, 2025. It said that after finalisation, the document will serve as an advisory framework to be adopted by various stakeholders for effective end-of-life management of solar PV systems. India's solar waste volume is projected to grow due to the rapid acceleration in solar installations under the National Solar Mission and increasing uptake of rooftop solar in the residential and commercial sectors. However, in the absence of a dedicated PV waste management regulation, most of the decommissioned panels are either stored or discarded without scientific processing. In a statement, the CPCB noted, 'The guidelines are intended to minimise environmental and health hazards by ensuring the environmentally sound management of end-of-life solar PV equipment in India.' The draft also suggests capacity-building initiatives and the development of recycling infrastructure across states. It encourages research institutions and startups to develop technologies for recovering valuable materials like silver, copper, and rare metals from end-of-life modules. The guidelines mention that solar modules generally have a lifespan of 25 years, but early failures and damage due to transport, natural disasters, or manufacturing defects can lead to premature disposal. In such cases, improper handling without formal processing systems can lead to pollution from heavy metals and toxic chemicals leaching into soil and water bodies. With the cumulative installed solar capacity projected to exceed 292 GW by 2030 under India's renewable energy targets, the CPCB has underscored the urgency of implementing standardised waste management practices.>
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
E-waste initiative launched in Hyderabad to tackle hazardous waste from IT sector, urbanisation
Representative Image (AI-generated) A CSR initiative called "E-waste Initiative" has been launched in Hyderabad in collaboration with distinguished organizations that aims to protect the environment and foster social responsibility in order to tackle one of the major challenges: e-waste generation. Electronic waste (e-waste) is a generic term used to describe discarded electrical or electronic devices. It includes gadgets like smartphones and laptops, as well as electrical appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. E-waste poses a serious threat to both the environment and public health, requiring immediate action. The mission of this campaign is to educate and engage every sector of society—residential communities, offices, retail markets and educational institutions. Experts predict that the amount of e-waste could double by 2050, posing a significant threat to the environment. If not recycled properly, it can also cause health hazards. However, a shift towards a circular economy, where resources are recovered and reused, could revolutionize e-waste management. Moreover, manufacturers are starting to design electronics for easier repair and disassembly, potentially extending product lifespans and reducing waste. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo The Government of India has established comprehensive regulations for e-waste management, primarily through the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which aim to address the growing challenge of electronic waste and streamline the processes for handling it responsibly. E-waste management in Hyderabad: Hyderabad, being a major IT hub, has seen a massive increase in e-waste generation due to rapid urbanization. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has initiated a Centre of Excellence on E-Waste Recycling at C-MET, Hyderabad, to foster research, innovation and best practices in e-waste management. The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has enacted the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2018 to regulate the handling of electronic waste, promoting responsible management and reducing environmental harm, with a vision to achieve economic growth alongside environmental protection for an improved quality of life.
New Indian Express
05-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Want to add 10 million jobs, India? Walking away from "take-make-waste" model alone will do
What does it truly mean to grow, if growth comes at the cost of the very systems that sustain us? As the world reflects on the mounting threat of plastic pollution this World Environment Day, we must also examine the deeper architecture of waste that underpins our economies—one that extends far beyond plastic into the very way we produce, consume, and discard resources. Globally, around 90 billion tonnes of natural resources are extracted annually, equivalent to more than 12 tonnes per person. Yet, only 7.2% of materials are cycled back into productive use after their first life. If we persist with our current "take-make-waste" economic model, this figure could double by 2050, pushing environmental thresholds and leaving a trail of unmanageable waste. The answer to this challenge lies in the transition from linear growth models to circularity. And what makes it more than a solution to an environmental concern is the economic opportunity it presents. Globally, the transition towards a circular economy represents a USD 4.5 trillion growth opportunity by 2030. For a country like India, transitioning to a circular economy could unlock a market value of over $2 trillion by 2050 and create nearly 10 million new jobs, especially in materials recovery, repair services, and circular manufacturing. In a nation navigating both rising consumption and growing inequality, circularity offers a bridge between sustainability and inclusive development. India has made promising early moves in this direction. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and the E-Waste (Management) Rules reflect policy intent. NITI Aayog's strategy for a circular economy outlines sectoral plans for 11 industries. More recently, the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC), launched during India's G20 presidency, signalled the intent to mainstream circularity in industrial ecosystems. The Swachh Bharat Mission has also already been mobilising a behavioural shift around waste in the country. But, as we make progress, the challenge of balancing growth with sustainability must be addressed with approaches tailored to respective sectors. To take the example of the renewable energy sector, which I have had the opportunity to witness and be a part of for over a decade now, a critical question remains underexplored: Is our renewable energy transition circular by design? India's ambition to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 is a national imperative, and with ~220 GW capacity achieved, we are well on our way to this target, supported by a conducive policy environment. But this scale of growth also comes with material consequences. As per data, India could generate over 340,000 tonnes of cumulative solar PV waste by 2030. Globally, more than 90% of decommissioned solar panels end up in landfills today. Without urgent intervention, we may be solving one problem—carbon emissions—while inadvertently creating another. One overlooked aspect is the role of plastics in the solar PV value chain. From polymer-based back sheets and encapsulants to junction boxes, plastics are embedded in every panel. Still, these components are rarely recycled due to a lack of separation technologies or material recovery incentives. The result? A growing stockpile of future e-waste. How do we solve for this? India currently has fewer than 15 registered PV recycling units, and there is no dedicated regulation to manage solar waste. This is a space where more proactive planning and innovation can flourish. I see three ways to do this: 1. Clear national guidelines for the decommissioning of solar and wind assets, expanding the Extended Producer Responsibility framework to cover renewable energy equipment, and embedding circularity criteria into public procurement norms. 2. Targeted investments in research and development are needed to improve material recovery and to encourage innovation in modular, repairable system designs that extend product life. Businesses, too, must operationalise this shift by adopting service-based models like solar leasing that incentivise lifecycle accountability, and by building partnerships with recyclers to create scalable take-back schemes. 3. Finally, we need greater transparency and Traceability across the value chain, supported by an open digital registry of clean energy assets to track their lifecycle and manage end-of-life recovery. Some encouraging signs are already emerging. There are companies around the world that have recovered up to 90% of materials from decommissioned panels. Of course, circularity does not begin and end with industry. The government can draw from global best practices, such as Japan's city-level circular districts or the Netherlands' procurement-led material innovation. It must also align fiscal and regulatory levers to reward circular behaviour. Citizens, too, play an important role by embracing shared, localised systems of energy access, advocating for sustainable choices, and participating in community-led reuse and repair initiatives. A truly circular economy will require deep collaboration across disciplines and stakeholders. It will mean rethinking value, embracing restraint, and designing for longevity, not just convenience. This World Environment Day, let us move beyond symbolic gestures. Let us commit to building systems that do not just reduce harm but actively regenerate. Because the time to rethink, redesign, and regenerate is not tomorrow, it is now. (Vaishali Nigam Sinha is Co-founder and Chairperson, Sustainability, ReNew.)
India Today
05-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
From trash to treasure: The rise of doorstep e-waste recycling
India's digital boom has come with a dark side: mountains of discarded electronics. Unsafe recycling practices and a booming appliance market have turned e-waste into one of the country's fastest-growing environmental Today spoke with Rohan Gupta, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Attero, to explore how doorstep e-waste collection is transforming how urban India disposes of its old devices, with accountability, convenience, and long-term impact in SCALE OF THE PROBLEMIn 2023–24, India generated nearly 3.8 million metric tonnes (MMT) of e-waste—a 100% increase in just ten years. A majority of it is processed informally through hazardous methods like acid leaching and open-air burning, exposing workers to toxins and polluting air and soil.A MODEL BUILT FOR URBAN REALITY Doorstep collection is gaining popularity for its simplicity. Individuals and businesses can now schedule pickups at their convenience, ensuring their devices are routed to certified recyclers.'People are more likely to recycle when it's easy,' says Gupta. 'Our goal is to make recycling as seamless as a food delivery.'According to Redseer Strategy Consultants, India's e-waste holds $6 billion in recoverable value, including critical materials like cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements. Stronger formal networks could also cut metal import bills by $1.7 billion E-WASTE COMES FROMadvertisementHouseholds are responsible for about 70% of India's annual e-waste. Appliance breakdown by weight includes:Refrigerators: 675,000 tonnesWashing machines: 630,000 tonnesAir conditioners: 115,000 tonnesTVs, laptops, and smartphones: 81,000 tonnesLarge appliances and temperature exchange devices alone contribute 2.5 MMT PUSH PRODUCERS TO ACTUnder the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, producers must recycle 60% of their products in FY24, increasing to 80% by is part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, which mandates producers to tie up with certified recyclers and obtain compliance certificates through a central portal. Doorstep collection supports this system by improving traceability and volume FROM GLOBAL MODELSCities worldwide are adopting similar ideas: Stockholm runs mobile collection vans, San Francisco includes e-waste in municipal pickups, and Singapore's ALBA Group offers digital rewards for used by these models, Attero's Selsmart initiative is building a nationwide collection infrastructure with local partners and goes beyond pickups. The system emphasizes data security, transparent logistics, and environmental safety. Every collected item is traceable—from doorstep to dismantling.'This isn't about just collecting more,' Gupta says. 'It's about building trust across the chain—from consumers to manufacturers.'A CIRCULAR ECONOMY WAITING TO BE BUILTOnly 30% of India's e-waste is formally recycled. The rest goes untracked, wasting 80,000 crore worth of recoverable metals and potential tax revenue collection helps plug that leak, bringing efficiency, safety, and circularity to the system while supporting green jobs and domestic supply device use accelerates, India needs scalable solutions now, not later. Doorstep collection is not just about waste—it's about the future of how cities operate.'People want to do the right thing,' Gupta says. 'We just need to make doing the right thing the easier choice.'
