Govt tightens e-waste disposal rules

The Delhi Government has strengthened its electronic waste (e-waste) disposal regulations in line with its ongoing month-long cleanliness drive. An official memorandum issued by the Finance Department (Policy Division) on Friday mandates the inclusion of strict e-waste disposal norms in all public procurement tenders.

This move comes in the wake of the 10th meeting of the Steering Committee under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), chaired by Delhi’s Chief Secretary on June 27. The committee had emphasised the need for “appropriate regulatory interventions” to ensure responsible handling of e-waste generated through government activities.

The directive states: “It would be mandatory for all Departments/Autonomous Bodies under the Delhi Government to include a clause in tender documents that any e-waste generated during the execution of contracts shall be disposed of only through authorised recycling agencies.”

Although e-waste recycling hubs exist across the capital, in areas like Turkman Gate, Mayapuri, Old Seelampur, Mundka, Mandoli, Kanti Nagar, Shastri Park and Karkardooma, many of them operate in the informal sector with poor oversight, often using unsafe recycling practices.

To address this, the government has installed 65 e-waste collection bins across key locations, including government offices, schools, court complexes and NDMC civic centres. Authorised recyclers will collect the waste for safe processing.