Electronics industry recently said that collection mechanism will need to be strengthened to make the new e-waste management rules effective, says a PTI report.
The e-waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011, which were notified in May last year, have come into effect from today and people will be now be required to dispose of their discarded electronic items through designated centres.
The rules aim to reduce the use of hazardous substances in electronic equipment by specifying threshold for use of material including lead, mercury and cadmium.
“The industry welcomes the move. The consumption of electronic items is increasing substantially and disposal of e-waste is a critical issue for the country. The new rules will help promote discarding of e-waste in a responsible manner,” an Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA) official said.
However, industry officials said the lack of clarity on collection of e-waste from consumers could pose as a problem.
“Traditionally, consumers have sold off their old electronic items to ‘kabadiwallas’. It is therefore important that this parallel unorganised segment is included in the ecosystem as they can help in effective collection of e-Waste,” Manufacturers Association for IT Executive Director Sabyasachi Patra said.
