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E-Waste Conundrum
Context:
The latest draft guidelines by the Indian government concerning the recycling and processing of electronic waste (e-waste) have sparked significant complaints from manufacturers of consumer electronics.
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These stakeholders argue that the regulations are overly stringent and may hinder the transition from the informal to the organised sector, which is crucial for effective e-waste management.
Key Concerns of Manufacturers:
- Manufacturers have raised concerns that the draft guidelines disregard their previous input to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
- Notably, the guidelines have drastically increased the costs associated with recycling e-waste, setting minimum prices for recyclers that far exceed current market rates.
- For instance, the cost of recycling metals has surged to approximately ₹80 per kg, compared to the previous range of ₹6-25, creating an unsustainable burden for producers.
E-Waste Crisis in India:
- India faces a pressing challenge in managing its e-waste, generating 1.6 million tonnes annually from discarded mobile phones, laptops, and other consumer electronics.
- A staggering 67% of this waste remains unprocessed, leading to the leaching of hazardous substances like lead and mercury into the environment, which poses severe health risks.
- Compounding this issue, around 90% of e-waste recycling is conducted by the informal sector, often under unsafe conditions and employing vulnerable populations, including children.
- Previous government efforts to regulate the e-waste sector, like the 2016 E-Waste Management Rules, sought to clarify stakeholder roles and introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). However, their effectiveness was hampered by insufficient enforcement and a lack of penalties for non-compliance.
Challenges:
- While the E-Waste Management Rules of 2022 expanded the scope of covered products and mandated registration for manufacturers and recyclers, enforcement remains inconsistent.
- The informal sector operates at competitive costs, making it difficult for organised players to thrive.
- Consequently, e-waste output in India continues to grow at an alarming rate of 30% per year, with less than 20% of the necessary funding allocated for developing adequate recycling facilities.
A Dual Approach Needed:
- To tackle the e-waste conundrum effectively, the government must consider both environmental and economic aspects.
- Regulations should not only aim to protect the environment but also support the livelihoods of those currently reliant on the informal sector.
- Ensuring a balanced approach that fosters safe, organised recycling practices while also considering the workforce involved is crucial for sustainable progress in e-waste management.