EPR and E-Waste Management – Understanding the Mandated Rules

 

 

What is e-waste?

All “electrical and electronic equipment” can be categorized under e-waste. This can be any equipment in whole or part that has been discarded as waste by the consumer/bulk consumer. All of these equipments discarded as rejects from the processes of manufacturing, refurbishment and repair are e-waste.

E-Waste Management

The rules laid for management of E-Waste in the year 2016 outdo the rules laid down for E-Waste Management & Handling in 2011. However, the rules were finally implemented in the year 2017.

The mandate dictates that the rules are applicable to the following entities involved in the process of manufacturing, sales, transfer, buying, collecting, storage and processing of e-waste:

- Producers
- Manufacturers
- Refurbisher
- Consumers
- Recycler
- Bulk consumer
- Collection centres
- Dealers
- E-retailer
- Dismantler

Equipment Covered Under EPR

The following electrical and electronic equipment are covered under EPR Policies:

- Fluorescent lamps and other lamps containing mercury
- Information technology equipment
- Telecommunication equipment (Mini PC)
- Personal computers
- Notebook computers
- Laptop
- Printers including the cartridges
- Air-conditioners (centralized air conditioning plants are exempted)
- Copying equipment
- Smart phones
- All electrical and electronic typewriters
- Washing machine
- User terminals and systems
- Telex
- Refrigerator
- Facsimile
- All sets based on LED (Light Emitting Diode technology) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
- Telephones
- Cordless telephones
- Cellular phones
- Television sets

The directive of EPR lists down specific responsibilities of numerous stakeholders. This mandate is for stakeholders involved with electronic products from manufacturing stage through its recycling and even after that. Reputed EPR consultant is responsible for taking good care of implementation of EPR strategy in an effective way while adhering to all the rules mandated.