Electronic waste or e-waste is one of the rapidly growing problems of the world. E-waste comprises of a multitude of components, some containing toxic substances that can have an adverse impact on human health and the environment if not handled properly. In India, e-waste management assumes greater significance not only due to the generation of its own e-waste but also because of the dumping of e-waste from developed countries. This is coupled with India's lack of appropriate infrastructure and procedures for its disposal and recycling.
E-waste broadly covers waste from all electronic and electrical appliances and comprises of items such as computers, mobile phones, digital music recorders/players, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions (TVs) and many other household consumer items. These are made of a multitude of components, some containing toxic substances that have an adverse impact on human health and the environment if not handled properly. Often, these hazards arise due to the improper recycling and disposal processes used. It can have serious repercussions for those in proximity to places where e-waste is recycled or burnt.
The absence of government mechanisms to manage and recycle or dispose E-waste effectively has opened doors for social entrepreneurs to take the lead to address this issue. While companies are helping to integrate the informal recycling sector and setting up an effective e-waste take back programme through training and consumer e-waste collection/awareness events, however, to tackle this issue effectively, at a much larger scale and faster, we need the support of governmental agencies like municipal corporations.
Given the recent efforts of the government to foster growth and development of industries and manufacturing units under the Make in India programme, India today boasts of allowing 100% FDI for solid waste management. Replicating successful initiatives in e-waste management set up and skills across Indian cities require support from government.
Having the proper mechanisms and skills already in place, it is essential to utilise them. While countries like China are importing waste, India is merely seen as a large scale dumping ground, for which adequate disposal mechanisms without affecting the lives and health of its people are not taken care of. While programmes such as the Swachh Bharat are helping to keep the city clean, nevertheless, the garbage is still being dumped in landfills and so is the e-waste, which is far more harmful. Public private partnerships can help to manage e- waste more effectively while various other parameters such as carbon credits given to companies under their CSR initiatives could give a boost to the programmes.
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MAHENDRA GURU