Greentech Lead India: The Ministry of Environment and
Forests (MoEF) has notified the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and
Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008, for proper management and handling of
hazardous wastes in the country.
The Minister in charge Jayanthi Natarajan stated in Lok Sabha that e- waste
(Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 were notified on 12th May 2011 and have
come in to effect from 1st May 2012.
The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility has been
enshrined in these rules to make it a mandatory activity for the manufacturers
of electronic and electrical equipments. Under this the producers are
responsible for collection of e-waste generated from the end of life of their
products by setting up collection centres or take back systems either
individually or collectively.
The Minster further stated that as per the rules, Collection centers are
required to obtain authorization from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
concerned within three months from the date of commencement of the rules.
Similarly, Dismantlers and Recyclers are required to
obtain authorization and registration from SPCB concerned. E-waste generated is
required to be sent to authorized and registered recyclers for environmentally
sound disposal. The SPCBs can take action as per the provisions of the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) in case of any violation.