The Role of Legislation in E-Waste Management: A Global Perspective
In our increasingly digitized world, electronic devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, technological advancements have led to a surge in discarded electronics, commonly known as e-waste. This growing problem poses significant environmental and health risks due to the toxic materials contained within these devices. Effective e-waste management strategies and robust regulations are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of e-waste. This blog will explore how various countries have implemented e-waste laws to address this pressing issue and how companies like Namo E-Waste are playing a pivotal role in driving sustainable solutions. The Escalating Challenge of Electronic Waste E-waste is the term used for unwanted electrical or electronic gadgets. It is also frequently called waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) or end-of-life electronics. This encompasses a variety of items, such as refrigerators, washing machines, computers, smartphones, and televisions, used both at home and personally. The problem of electronic waste is growing to a great extent. According to the Global E-trash Monitor, the world generated around 60 million tons of electronic waste in 2020, with a 21% increase expected by 2030. The incorrect disposal of e-waste causes significant environmental dangers since it contains dangerous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into soil and water and cause long-term harm to ecosystems. The challenge lies not only in the huge volume of e-waste but also in the complexity of e-waste management and its safe collection, recycling, and disposal. Global Legislative Framework for E-Waste Management Dealing with the e-waste problem and sound e-waste management necessitate strong legal structures on both the domestic and global scales. Although different international treaties and agreements have been created, how these laws are put into practice and upheld can vary between countries and regions. Key International Treaties and Agreements Basel Convention: This treaty regulates the transfer of harmful waste substances. The goal of this agreement is to protect the environment as well as people from the negative impacts of generating, managing, transporting, and disposing of these waste materials. The convention has 170 member countries known as parties. Stockholm Convention: This convention addresses dangerous substances contained in electronic gadgets, such as PCBs and BFRs, which are referred to as persistent organic pollutants. Its purpose is to reduce or restrict the production and use of these harmful compounds. Rotterdam Convention: This is an international environmental agreement that encourages the exchange of information concerning compounds that endanger human health or the environment. It includes standards for the prior informed consent process, which requires countries to be informed about the hazards ahead of time and have granted their consent. Regional and National Legislation Apart from global treaties, numerous nations and areas have established their laws regarding effective e-waste management. These regulations frequently encompass: Producer Responsibility: Manufacturers are required to take responsibility for the disposal of their products at the end of their lives, which includes electronic waste. This may include establishing collection methods, recycling plants, and funding disposal expenses. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): It is a regulation that requires manufacturers and importers to handle the disposal and recycling of their products. This signifies that companies have a legal duty to reclaim their products once they are no longer in use and guarantee they are disposed of in an environmentally conscious manner. Waste Management Regulation: It consists of the regulations and guidelines that control how different types of waste are handled, stored, and disposed of properly. This set of rules is designed to safeguard the health of the public and the environment through proper e-waste management as well as handling. Exemplary E-Waste Management Legislation: Case Studies Many countries have shown effectiveness in handling electronic waste by implementing strong laws and creative methods. Germany is frequently referred to as an example of good e-waste disposal practices. The Recycling Management Act in the country enforces a circular economy by mandating manufacturers to reclaim their products once they reach the end of their lifespan. Germany has efficient systems in place for gathering and reusing electronic waste, leading to increased rates of recycling and minimizing the environmental effects of old electronics. In Japan, consumers are required by the Home Appliance Recycling Law to pay a recycling fee when buying new electronics, which finances the appropriate disposal of old items. This system, along with the country’s strict product stewardship rules, has resulted in notable decreases in electronic waste and higher rates of recycling. Challenges and Criticisms of E-Waste Legislation E-waste management encounters major obstacles caused by insufficient laws, varying regulations worldwide, and a lack of enforcement. Even with 53.6 million metric tons of electronic waste produced worldwide in 2019, just 17.4% was properly gathered and processed. The U.S. has a variety of state laws, which create inefficiencies. Developing countries face challenges with importing electronic waste, worsening environmental and health hazards. To address the escalating e-waste crisis, effective management necessitates coordinated global legislation, improved infrastructure, and heightened public consciousness. A Sustainable Future for E-Waste with NAMO eWaste Namo eWaste is revolutionizing e-waste management by following strict laws and utilizing advanced recycling techniques. Our forward-thinking method helps to close gaps in worldwide e-waste regulations and increases public knowledge, establishing a standard in the field. Through promoting innovation and adhering to regulations, Namo eWaste is not just keeping up with current e-waste management guidelines but also influencing a sustainable future for electronic waste.
Consumer Responsibility in E-Waste Management: Tips for Proper Disposal
Have you ever wondered what happens to your old smartphone, laptop, or even that touch-and-type phone Papa used to have? While many of them are sitting in our cupboards, many more are just thrown away after taking the sim card and the photos out. However, they don’t just disappear when you throw them out – they become part of a growing global concern: electronic waste, or e-waste. But what exactly is e-waste, why should you care, and most importantly, what can YOU do about it? This blog will cover every question and actionable tips for the correct way of disposing of eWaste. The Power of Consumer Responsibility: You Hold the Key Our purchasing choices have an impact on others. By appropriately handling our e-waste, we can: Conserve valuable resources: E-waste recycling recovers precious metals and other materials, reducing the need for environmentally damaging mining. Protect our health: Proper disposal prevents toxic chemicals from entering our bodies and ecosystems. Reduce pollution: Recycling e-waste requires less energy and produces fewer emissions than manufacturing new electronics. E-Waste Regulations Are Your Roadmap to Responsible Disposal India is taking e-waste management seriously. The E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024, build upon the existing 2016 rules and place a stronger emphasis on producer responsibility and consumer awareness. Here are the key updates: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Manufacturers are now responsible for collecting and recycling a larger percentage of the e-waste they generate. This incentivizes them to design more sustainable products and promotes a circular economy. EPR Certificate Exchange Platform: The government will be establishing platforms for the exchange or transfer of EPR certificates, making compliance easier for businesses. Relaxation of Reporting Deadlines: The government has the authority to relax deadlines for filing returns and reports under certain circumstances, offering flexibility to businesses. What You Need to Know Source: Science Direct Consumer Compliance: As a consumer, you can comply with these regulations by: Segregating e-waste: Separate your electronic waste from regular household trash. Utilising authorised collection centres: Drop off your e-waste at designated collection points or participate in manufacturer take-back programs. Avoiding unauthorised disposal: Refrain from discarding e-waste in regular bins or with unauthorised recyclers, as this can lead to environmental harm and potential legal consequences. Importance of Compliance: Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your e-waste is handled responsibly, preventing hazardous substances from polluting the environment and harming human health. It also supports the growth of a circular economy, where valuable materials are recovered and reused, reducing the need for new resource extraction. Find authorised recyclers: Don’t just toss your old electronics in the bin. Look for certified recyclers who are informed and adhere to our strict environmental standards. Utilise take-back programs: Many manufacturers offer take-back programs, making it convenient to return your old devices for safe disposal. Say NO to illegal dumping: Avoid disposing of e-waste in regular trash or informal channels. This could harm the environment and even land you in legal trouble. By understanding and following the latest e-waste regulations, you contribute to a cleaner and greener India. Remember, every action counts! E-waste Disposal is a Lifeline for Our Planet Proper e-waste disposal is more than simply a matter of responsibility; it is also a critical step towards a sustainable future. When e-waste is recycled correctly, it prevents harmful substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium from seeping into soil and water, safeguarding our ecosystems and biodiversity. Additionally, e-waste contains valuable resources like gold, silver, and copper, which can be recovered and reused, reducing the need for environmentally destructive mining practices. Not only does proper disposal protect our planet, but it also shields human health from the toxic chemicals found in electronics. Improper handling of e-waste can lead to serious health issues, affecting our nervous system, and development, and even increasing the risk of cancer. Furthermore, these toxins can travel up the food chain, impacting wildlife and further polluting our environment. By choosing responsible e-waste disposal, you actively contribute to resource conservation, pollution reduction, and the overall well-being of both people and the planet. Source: Tech Target Why Responsible E-Waste Management is a Win-Win Responsible e-waste disposal isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about creating a better future. Here’s what you gain: Peace of mind: Knowing your old gadgets won’t harm the planet or future generations. Contribution to a circular economy: Recycling e-waste recovers valuable materials, reducing the demand for new resources. Community benefits: Responsible recycling creates jobs and supports a healthier environment for everyone. Tips for Responsible E-Waste Recycling Here are simple steps you can take to recycle your e-waste responsibly: Research: Locate certified e-waste recyclers in your area. Check online directories or inquire with local authorities for reputable options. Gather Your E-Waste: Collect all your unwanted electronics, including phones, laptops, chargers, batteries, and appliances. Data Security: Before handing over your devices, ensure you wipe all personal data to protect your privacy. Don’t Dump or Burn: Avoid disposing of e-waste in regular trash bins or by burning it. This is illegal and can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards. Choose Convenience: Numerous recyclers like Namo eWaste offer free pick-up administrations for your comfort. Make use of the feasibility that helps you skip a step and saves time and money spent on transportation. Namo eWaste: Your Partner in Responsible Recycling At Namo eWaste, we’re dedicated to making e-waste recycling simple and accessible. Our expert team ensures that your old electronics are handled safely and responsibly, maximising resource recovery and minimising environmental impact. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how you can be part of the solution! Let’s turn e-waste into a force for good You can give us a call at 1800-123-5124 for a free and easy pick-up service.
The Growing E-waste: Means to a Livelihood and Resource Management!
The Growing E-waste: Means to a Livelihood and Resource Management! We all know that e-waste is hazardous but we don’t do anything about it. Do you know why? Because we think, let others do it! This is exactly why Namo e-Waste came into being. To begin somewhere, we need everyone’s cooperation. Yours too! Did you know, it was only when China refused to accept 24 varieties of solid waste, that big countries like the US and the UK along with Japan and Australia realized they were in a soup. Until then, China used to take 70 percent of the world’s unused electronic waste. The country realized the harmful impact of e-waste and banned it. Southeast Asia was the next chosen destination to dump the e-waste; soon the countries in the region like Thailand and Vietnam too curbed the e-waste import. Did you observe, how all these countries want others to manage their e-waste and save the planet, as we mentioned earlier; we do not do it because we wait for others to do it. Enough is enough! E-Waste production has surged globally by 21% in just five years, as per a report by the United Nations. What Triggers the Upsurge? It’s no secret that technology has made way in our daily lives in such a way that we cannot look and think beyond it. We live through and sometimes on technology; don’t you spend most of your time with your laptops and phones? We have now moved on to wearable technology; smartwatches, Bluetooth rings, Helmet Sensors and Hololens, etc are used by many. That close, the technology has come to us! With the increasing competition, the prices of electronic gadgets have gone down and so has the quality. This has made the lifespan of electronic gadgets shorter. They are all battery-driven. Some have replaceable batteries while others have the kind that has an expiry date. Although all of us care to buy the latest devices and gadgets to hit the market, none of us care to dispose of the no-longer-used devices carefully, at home. Does that make us smart and hi-tech? You decide! Even businesses upgrade their systems and electronic infrastructure easily instead of getting repaired the older ones. They update their software but allow the discarded hardware to lie defunct and degrade, emitting harmful radiations. The lack of time and manpower compels them to be ignorant. However, it is about time the companies must realize their responsibility and the kind of harm they are causing to the planet and future generations and move towards proper E-Waste management Namo e-Waste Comes into Rescue We understand the constraints that each household and company has and we have come in to fill up the gaps. Electronic devices are designed with a wide mix of materials like silver, gold, copper, palladium, platinum, lithium, cobalt which are valuable, and many other elements like lead, mercury, cadmium, and beryllium that could have harmful effects post the expiry date. Health hazards caused by such elements must be minimized at any cost. Imagine, if we recycle the old electronic devices how much of these non-renewable resources can be saved for future use. Sustainability is the way forward and Namo e-waste, E-Waste recycling company has taken it upon itself to ensure that e-waste present in every corner of the country is sent for scientific disposal for appropriate recycling of waste collected pan India. Namo E-waste has one of the biggest electronic waste recycling plants in India and Do your bit, be part of Namo e-Waste’s ongoing campaign “Together We Care” to collect e-waste from homes, workplaces, communities, companies, etc. E-Waste is a menace, help us regulate it! [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
The Importance of Recycling a computer
Today, technology moves at such a rapid pace and it can be overwhelming to keep up with the latest and greatest innovations. As consumers, we all want access to the newest gadgets and devices, but many people don’t think about how they are going to dispose of their older models once the new ones come out. E-waste disposal is becoming a real problem for communities across the globe as discarded technology piles up in landfills possibly leaking toxic chemicals into groundwater supplies. Electronic devices like Computers, Laptops, Monitors, Keyboards, mouse, modems, cords, plugs, tablets, printers, telephones, and speakers. All these devices can be sent to a recycling center. Reducing e-waste such as used electronics plays a vital role in reducing environmental pollution and conserving Earth’s natural resources. Why Is It Important to Recycle Computer Components? Computer recycling efforts have risen in popularity over the years as people are realizing how serious of an issue environmentally damaging electronic waste is. In some countries, the amount of redundant computer components and the enclosed heavy metals, although not limited to lead or mercury, is becoming uncontrollable. Rest assured that when this hazardous waste ends up in landfills, it contaminates the soil and seeps into the adjacent water bodies making it hazardous for both the human health but also the wildlife living nearby. We want society as a whole to be aware of this – both now and in the future, so we want all companies that recycle electronics to eventually publish an annual report on how much has been recycled for every type of equipment on record. Consumers have been constantly developing new devices. However, if we dump our devices into a landfill, we are endangering the environment. Recycling electronics has a lot of advantages for the environment. Benefits of Recycling Computers : Recycling Computers Protects Natural Resources: When people choose to recycle their old computers, they are more environmentally responsible. By doing this they’re limiting the resources it takes to produce new computer equipment because some old components can be reused when constructing new ones. An example of this would be plastic and glass used in monitors. By reusing these components, there is less need to create new ones which both conserve the environment and limit costs. Help Save Our Planet: Some people think that it isn’t important to recycle their computers, but they don’t know the damage they are causing. Even if you think it is not important, make sure you recycle your computer in order to make sure our planet stays clean for generations to come. Some people go to great lengths just to recycle computers. It doesn’t matter whether your computer works; you can always donate it or sell it for cash. Recycling is something worth doing because if we continue accumulating trash then nothing will be left of the ecosystem. How is a Computer Recycled? When computers have been brought to the facilities to be recycled, the triage process begins, which identifies the various types of equipment and determines their condition and age. Relevant information is then recorded for disposition reports and each computer is properly cataloged. After that, the physical processing starts, and data destruction may often be performed. Once assets tags have been removed, any useful parts are refurbished and resold; those parts of the computer that have next to no value are sent through a de-manufacturing process that allows the useful parts to be separated from other materials like plastic, glass, and circuit boards. These materials are then processed through a smelter where they are shredded into small pieces to be melted down in order to be made into new products later. Final Thoughts: One of the most important aspects of recycling is the environmental impact that it has. As the population of the world grows, so does the amount of natural resources that we use. By recycling your old computer you are reducing the amount of new material needed to build a new computer, and keeping precious resources out of landfills. This is just one of the many reasons why recycling a computer is important!
E-Waste Disposal: Why it Is Important For You To Recycle Your E-Waste
The disposal of electronic waste is a subject that has come to the forefront in recent years. We all must do our part to recycle our e-waste for three main reasons: environmental conditions, health concerns, and precious natural resources. Electronic equipment, especially electronic devices and their components such as computers and cell phones, is a growing environmental problem. New technology is being invented and improved every day, while old ideas are often thrown away. While it is exciting to discover new knowledge, we need to be more responsible about electronic waste. The easiest way to dispose of it may be sending it straight to a landfill, but this approach limits people in the future from learning from our mistakes. When we recycle electronic waste, we give back to society, limit the landfills and reduce CO2 emissions. What is E-Waste? E-waste contains a toil burden on our environment that could harm the Earth if it’s not disposed of properly. It may be any electronic device that’s broken, can no longer be used, or is out of date. E-waste products are almost always special, and cannot be disposed of in regular household trash. When you have a laptop, phone, or computer, that has reached the end of its life, it is important to dispose of them properly. Why Is E-Waste Management Important? Although devices like phones often break, they are still an abundant source of raw materials. These materials could be stripped from old gadgets and reused to make new ones. By improving recycling, more companies might be able to use gold and other important raw materials found in old electrical devices. Not only is recycling precious metals more efficient and better use of resources, but it also saves the environment. It is important to recycle electronic devices because they often contain toxic substances and heavy metals as well as harmful chemicals like flame retardants. This recycling process can reduce chemical emissions while disposing of the items, and when manufacturers use recycled materials in production, they use less energy and produce less greenhouse gas than if the products were made with brand new materials. Make sure to recycle your appliances and electronics to keep them out of the landfill. This e-waste can be reused, and when recycled properly, it can reduce water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, you aren’t allowed to throw electronic devices in the trash. The data on a hard drive can be mined by a thief and used for financial information. It’s a bigger worry for businesses, but as most people use computers to store financial information, it’s something worth considering. Recycling also helps the environment and people’s health. This activity also generates new jobs and boosts the economy by providing materials for new electronics that do not need to be extracted from the environment. Recycling can also implement additional safety measures, reducing toxic chemicals like mercury and lead. How to Recycle e-waste? The best way to dispose of unwanted electronics is by disposing them off at a recycling centre. Before you recycle any old hard drives, make sure you’ve wiped the contents and then make sure it goes to a facility that will dispose of it correctly. Namo e-waste management, which is known as the best e-waste recycling company in India, offers these services. Final Word: The fight against e-waste is a global issue, and we need new strategies to deal with it. To reduce the amount of e-waste, make sure that you recycle old items rather than throwing them in the trash. We can fight this problem now by making sure old electronics are properly recycled.
Data Breach Risks are high in Ineffective E-waste Management Techniques
Holiday season is around the corner; when the sale and gifting of electronic gadgets go up. People give phones and smart devices to family members and friends. This implies that the pile of discarded electronic devices goes up. People must consider recycling or gifting their old devices in order to enable sustainable resources. However, in all this, the point of concern is data security. Ineffective ways to recycle e-waste give way to data breaches. Cybersecurity is a concern these days. Personal information in e-waste units and data security Many times, it has been found that hard disk drives, smart devices, and solid-state drives contain residual data that is enough for cyber thieves to steal data. The sale of discarded electronics without the proper deletion of data creates a major risk for the consumers as well as the authorized recyclers. The residual data can be present in the form of several call logs, leftover emails, texts, videos, and pictures. Experts believe that such data is easily retrievable by people who know the trade. Some e-waste management companies unsuccessfully try to delete data from electronic devices. The most common reason behind this could be the use of unreliable methods for data deletion. The ineffective methods of data removal leave personal information completely exposed, which may be accessible to potential cybercriminals. All common means of data removal are ineffective. Businesses must be concerned about data security as their intellectual property can get stolen or misused. Manually erasing data or signing out of the devices doesn’t mean the data is deleted forever and cannot be retrieved. People who give their phones for reuse or recycling must be made aware of this fact. The data can easily be recovered by cybercriminals and hackers. Consumers must know, in fact, it is difficult to delete data from devices. Namo E-waste’s Safe Collection and Data Destruction Process Namo E-waste, an e-waste management company in India, which is also known to be an innovator with respect to e-waste disposal, provides a leading solution with 100% transparency pertaining to 100% e-waste data security while conducting electronic recycling or mobile recycling. The company not only takes up initiatives to make people aware of the right methods for e-waste disposal but also encourages them to avoid e-waste from piling up, recycling, and conserving natural resources. Electronic products that majorly contain data are computers, printers, smartphones, servers, and laptops. Digitalization has made the world stay connected and has also made people’s lives convenient, but they must be careful with respect to the threats that digital personal data is prone to. Laws concerning data security describe the way to secure personal data on active software and methods to delete the information when the consumer no longer uses the tools. However, due to a lack of awareness people end up making mistakes. Electronics get stolen during transport the most. This includes even the e-waste because of the stored data. Namo E-waste’s unique steps regarding the e-waste recycling chain make e-waste disposal secure and safe for consumers. Safe Collection ∙ Instead of using open collection containers for recycling Namo E-waste uses covered boxes, ∙ The boxes are locked during transportation and the entire process. ∙ Apart from the recipient and the sender, no one else knows the passcode of the containers to avert the loss of devices. ∙ The security is reinforced during logistics, by scanning the recycling units before sending. ∙ The scanning begins at the receiving warehouse right when the box is opened. Unique Tracking ∙ The scanned data is mapped to the shipment ID which is unique to track the recycling units during logistics. ∙ All scans are documented in a database. ∙ For clear identification, transport documents are mapped to the shipment ID stored in the database. ∙ A digital platform enables paperless and safe documentation! Secured Receiving ∙ At the receiving end, certified partners unlock the security boxes. ∙ Each unit is scanned with a barcode and flagged as ‘received. ∙ The sharing of real-time tracking details about each unit confirms the arrival of units at the recycling facility. ∙ Efforts are made to minimize additional hubs to avert the loss of the recycling units during transport. ∙ A smart scanning module is employed to improve the whole process for its efficiency Impeccable Data security ∙ Data security and e-waste management go hand-in-gloves. ∙ Devices are managed by trained staff for complete data destruction. ∙ Namo E-waste offers the secure destruction of sensitive data. ∙ They issue certificates of data sanitization and certificates of data destruction if requested ∙ Different methods of IT equipment having data storage functionalities are employed. ∙ The recycling units are completely dismantled and recycling of secondary raw materials is conducted. Points to remember ∙ As per the e-waste hierarchy, recycling devices must be sorted for their re-usable value before scrapping them. ∙ The possibilities of reusing must be made aware to the e-waste sender during concept creation. ∙ Recycling and reusing are the best ways to show your concern for the earth’s resources. ∙ If you choose to send the item for re-use ensure that your recycling partner deletes all the sensitive data from the devices before re-using them. ∙ You must review the security standards employed and maintained by the authorized recycler you choose. ∙ Ensure that standard processes are implemented in the recycling operations. ∙ Never compromise with respect to your electronic recycling processes in terms of security as well as environmental aspects. ∙ As long as you are alert, you can ensure both; the safety of your personal information as well as keeping the environment safe.
Electronic Take-Back Programs
Electronic take-back and recycling program is so designed as to extract and subsequently reuse the substances present in the electronic equipment collected. Over 99 percent of the e-waste shared by consumers is processed for recycling. Generally, take-back programs are initiated by a retailer or a manufacturer of electrical and electronics goods. The aim of the program is to gather old materials and products that are no longer used by the consumers and eventually reintroduce the products to the original plant of manufacturing for processing and recycling. Best Practices in Electronics Take-Back Programs India can take a leaf from the book on the e-waste take-back program of the US. There are many states that are performing well in terms of electronics take-back initiatives. Some of them have shared best practices and measures they take to make the take-back program a success. These states have recorded the highest collection volume of e-waste from the consumers. The states also have mandatory guidelines wherein the companies into electronic and electrical manufacturing goods have to conduct take-back programs. The e-waste collection ratio of these states is about 4 to 6.3 pounds per capita as compared to 1 pound per capita in other states that do not follow take-back programs or best practices like the following: · No set bar for consumer electronics waste: The key to receiving a high amount of e-waste is to accept all kinds of electronic products covering a wider range. This enhances the collection efficiency, allocates economic responsibility more moderately, confine more e-waste materials, and make the whole process for the public simpler. · Collection targets: Collection targets mean a fixed level playing in the field for the manufacturers and result in a high collection volume. · Giving collection incentives: Giving incentives for the amount of collection also ensures a large number of participants in the program. · Formalize informal sector. The authorities can provide aid/support in formalizing the informal sector. The restrictions imposed on informal ways to dispose of e-waste itself will create awareness among consumers. Once the awareness is there, people will try to dispose of their e-waste in a formal manner that is by handing them over to the authorized recycler or dropping them at the collection center. For this, the right infrastructure must be in place. · Collection drive organized for residents: This will ensure no amount of electronics waste ends up in the regular bins or landfills. End consumers make up a large part of the electronic buying customers but constitute only 26 % of the recycled e-waste by volume. Typical homes hoard a larger number of e-waste than commercial units. The pile of e-waste could be five times more than e-waste hoarded at business establishments. · Certification: There should be a certification by a third party for electronics recyclers. It is vital to lay stress on and implement best practices in order to collect more e-waste. Both collectors, as well as recyclers, must be encouraged to follow best practices to ensure proper management of e-waste in a state by e-waste management companies in India. Producers’ and manufacturers’ responsibility towards collection The extended producer responsibility (EPR) guidelines enable producers and manufacturers to take up a broad range of steps to achieve the e-waste targets in terms of collection. Setting up authorized collection points and centers is a must. Apart from this, they can take measures such as deposit refund plan, buyback, setting up of electronic waste take-back counters, and working in tandem with online sellers. Producers must obtain EPR authorization from the governing body. Failing to do the same must restrict them from importing. Producers and manufacturers must file an EPR plan to the concerned authority to ensure the maximum amount of e-waste collection for electronic recycling from the end-users.
EPR initiatives by Xiaomi, LG, and Dell in India
In 2020, according to Global E-waste Monitor, the global production of e-waste was recorded to be 53.6 million tonnes. Contributing 3.2 million tonnes out of this, India ranked third in the list, below China and the United States of America. One can imagine the harm this huge amount of e-waste is causing to the environment as well as our health. All stakeholders need to take initiative to curb the menace of e-waste. Many e-waste management companies in India like Namo E-waste through their collection centers are taking back the discarded electronic items by consumers and bulk producers. Also, abiding by the EPR (extended producer responsibility) guidelines, producers of electronic items, big brands like LG, Xiaomi, and Dell, etc. have launched many take-back programs and are offering discounts to consumers under exchange offers of old electronic goods. LG, one of the leading companies in the consumer durable segment, has established a web of 40 e-waste recyclers to make the electronic take-back programs successful in India. Reportedly they recycled about 100 Kilo MT of electronics in the period 2017-2020. They even have customer support staff working in e-waste call centers to process the requests of consumers to collect discarded electronics. In another great EPR initiative by a manufacturer of hardware, Dell has claimed to be using plastic extracted from recycling discarded computers. The company offers e-waste management services to its consumers directly, with the help of an in-house team, in more than 75 nations. In India, Dell has 23 drop-off centers for formal e-waste disposal by consumers. Since 2006, Dell has been running their online take-back scheme in the country. As the online system of initiating requests is more convenient Dell will continue to run it. They have a future plan of reusing/recycling the same number of products as bought and used by their consumers. They expect to achieve this by 2030. Xiaomi, one of the leading players in the smartphone segment, has introduced a take-back and e-waste recycling program wherein they credit consumers’ Mi accounts with a discount coupon worth Rs 100 for every old electronic product the consumer shares for recycling. In association with their respective PRO (producer responsibility organization), Xiaomi has built 1150 collection counters at their service centers and Mi Homes in 500 big and small cities. Consumers are free to drop off their old mobile phones, dead batteries, and other discarded electronic accessories at these collection counters. Reportedly, Xiaomi has collected, in three years, over 400 tonnes of electronic waste. They aim at promoting their e-waste management programs for the end-of-life electronic products to the consumers, at the same time, creating as much awareness as possible so that many people join their e-waste management initiative and make it a success. Following the E-waste Management & Handling Rules formed in 2016, Xiaomi accepts all brands and kinds of mobile/smartphones, chargers, speakers, power banks, headphones, and various other electronic items sold in the country. The company recycles the collected e-waste. They also ask consumers to completely erase their data stored in the devices prior to handing them over for recycling. These initiatives are laudable and are in the best interest of the country and its people. However, due to a lack of awareness among people the programs do not always achieve their 100 percent goals.
Take Simple Steps to Clean Up the Major Sources of E-Waste
Technology has evolved at a fast pace in the last few years. We could hardly imagine a life sans GPS maps, laptops, smart devices, and our smartphones. In 2021, about 7.1 billion mobile phone users worldwide have been recorded. By 2022, this is expected to go up to 7.26 billion. In 2025, the number is likely to touch 7.49 billion. Do you realize the amount of e-waste the nation generates every year in the form of discarded electronic items? As a common man, you don’t! But there are environmental activists, governments, the local authorities, and e-waste management companies in India like Namo E-waste that are constantly worried about the harmful effects of the large amount of e-waste that we generate sub-consciously. They are constantly looking for ways to minimize the generation of e-waste or ways to recycle and reuse them so that their hazardous impact can be reduced to a great extent. They are trying to get plastics and precious metals extracted from the discarded mobile phones through mobile recycling to reuse and minimize mining for fresh materials. People consider recycling as the only option to minimize the generation of e-waste. Yes, recycling is one of the ways to do so but we can take small steps instead to help contribute to the reduction of e-waste production in the country. Also, because of low rates of recycling, people do not come forward to share their old electronic items. They must be made aware of the detrimental effects of e-waste on their health and the environment, in the long run, to motivate them to share their old end-of-shelf-life electronic items for recycling. For now, we can focus on easy to practice, simple ways to reduce e-waste. Before taking a look at the steps, it is important to understand these: The aim of reducing e-waste isn’t only about minimizing the environmental risks, it is a lot more. Reducing e-waste aids in conserving resources. Electronic waste recycling plants in India that recycle electronic parts derived from e-waste require considerably lower energy consumption than the ones that create new items. Consumers can help in bringing down the selling cost of fresh electronic goods by promoting the use of recycled parts in making new electronic devices. Using a recycled part is a more cost effective proposition for electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) manufacturers than seeking the new metals extracted through mining. They are also mandated to follow Extended Producers responsibility EPR guidelines. Remember the cost of manufacturing a fresh piece of electronic device is lessened if manufacturers can easily access from the recycling industry the spare parts they require. The most basic thing that a person can do to minimize e-waste generation is to create awareness about recycling. Now is the right time to take that next step and share your knowledge about e-waste with those who may not know about the health hazards that e-waste poses. Keep tabs on people in your circle who are about to buy a new electronic device. They may also have plans to dispose of their old devices. Reach out to them. Tell them about the idea of recycling it with a formal and authorised recycler like Namo E-waste. Knowing about the detrimental effects of hoarding old electronic devices is also important. This will encourage people to act swiftly and share them with formal e-waste recyclers. Tell people who appreciate recycling but are clueless about the ways to be a part of it, about recycling collection centers of Namo E-waste. They can easily initiate a pick up request by just calling or clicking on the request forms. Coming years will further witness an explosion in the use of new electronic devices hence a rise in the pile of discarded models. We must be prepared with a plan of action to deal with the new set of e-waste. The following simple to exercise strategies must be followed by all to help clean up the major sources of e-waste. Look at buying products that have a much longer shelf-life so that you don’t have to replace it early. Repair and reuse as frequently as possible. Try to get the electronic devices that have some life left, repaired, before buying a new one. If the device cannot be repaired, send it for recycling. Try to learn about the spare parts of your electronics. What are they made of and how harmful they can be after the use! The more knowledge you gain the more inclined you will be to buy items that are not harmful to your own health and the environment. Check the environmentally friendly label on the electronic device you are out to purchase. If it is labelled Energy Star it is good to buy as it is energy efficient. You can check for more such labels. Minimize the number of smart devices you own. Try and buy a multi-purpose device. No matter how big or small your electronic item is, it’s important to dispose of your e-waste in a formal manner. Learn more about security issues and the data deleting methods employed by e-waste recycling companies in India like Namo E-waste. They scrub all electronic devices’ data clean before sending it for recycling. There is no room left for cyber thieves to extract the information. Educate others who are hesitant to share their devices because of the data saved in it, about the same. This will compel more people to come forward and recycle their electronic devices. Maintenance of your electronic devices is important, it increases their shelf life. Small moves assist in keeping what you own working for a longer time. Clean your smart devices like computers and laptops etc. frequently. Do not overcharge your battery and enhance its overall lifespan.
Do not treat your old gadgets like garbage!
As the world has become tech-dependent and people upgrade their devices frequently, there emerges a fresh pile of old gadgets every now and then. A few million pounds of e-waste is processed on a monthly basis at just one recycling plant in India. Imagine the total amount generated across the country. The trouble begins when people start treating their old gadgets as garbage, which is not what any e-waste management company in India like Namo E-waste would want. You pick a phone with a 10-megapixel camera or the one that has 12 GB storage, it’s your choice. No one has a say in it. However, once you are done using the device, be as sensitive towards it as you were when you first bought it. It may no longer be precious for you but it still has some worth left in it and can support a sustainable ecosystem and a circular economy. As the next generation of devices is about to catch the fancy of a common user, e-waste experts are wondering and estimating the number of redundant devices the world would produce once 5 G becomes a reality in every nation. As per the experts, there will be a dramatic rise in e-waste. Millions of mobile phones, smart devices, modems as well as other electronic gadgets will become incompatible with the Wi-Fi network of 5G. The situation wasn’t this bad even when the world switched from black and white to the color era or when digital devices took over the analog devices. Already electronic waste is the fastest increasing stream of solid waste; where is it going to go from here! Refurbishing and resale Electronic recycling and refurbishing companies encourage consumers to gather their electronics thereafter, safely delete all their personal and other data present in the devices. Depending on the usability of these recollected devices they are sent for refurbishing or their spare parts are recycled. The refurbished electronic devices are resold. There are many authorized recyclers and registered e-waste recycling companies in India but due to lack of awareness among the consumers and lack of resources, we still manage to recycle only a part of the overall e-waste generated in the country. The remaining e-waste goes to the informal sector after being picked up by informal e-waste recyclers from the landfill; and not before some of its harmful substances like beryllium and mercury contaminate the environment! There are laws in place to not dump electronic waste in the regular bin yet people fail to abide by it. An expert based out of the US states that besides, environmental concerns, compressed inflammable batteries of smartphones containing lithium-ion have posed dangers many times while recycling along with paper in the past. There have been many reported cases of fire at recycling centers earlier. Drop them at the right place The Government has enforced various e-waste management-related laws including EPR extended producer responsibility, meant for the electrical and electronic equipment manufacturers to collect and recycle electronic devices once their shelf-life is over. For the consumers, there is no strict law; they have been given the choice to drop their old gadgets in a special bin outside their homes or at collection centers in India. They are also given exchange offers by electronic brands. However, even after knowing all this, many consumers either dump their gadgets in the regular bin or let them remain unattended for years in their storerooms. This must change. It’s for your own betterment. Remember you are a cohabitant in this world. You must not damage the environment for the sake of your convenience. It is your responsibility as well as a duty towards the environment to drop off your e-waste for recycling and save the surroundings from the harmful effects of e-waste.
