Govt depts directed to ensure proper disposal of e-waste
In the wake of improper disposal of e-waste in the state, the Department of Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change has directed all departments, boards and corporations to dispose e-waste in accordance with the Rule 9 of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016.
It has been directed that all e-waste must be channelised through authorised collection centres, dealers of producers, dismantlers, recyclers or designated take-back service providers of producers to authorised dismantlers or recyclers.
“Only authorised e-waste collection centres, dealers of producers, dismantlers, or recyclers registered with the HP State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) or the Central Pollution Control Board will be permitted to participate in the auction process for e-waste,” said an official.
An appeal has also been made to all government departments, boards, corporations, commissions, NGOs and the citizens of Himachal Pradesh to actively participate in keeping the environment clean and free from harmful effects of e-waste.
“It had come to the notice of the state government that the current e-waste disposal practices did not align with the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as the guidelines issued by the HPSPCB. This highlighted the urgent need for a structured process to ensure compliance with these rules and mitigate the environmental risks posed by the unscientific disposal of e-waste,” said an official.
Existing government regulations, such as the HP Financial Rules, 2009, and provisions in the Office Manual, lacked specific provisions for the scientific disposal of e-waste. These regulations primarily relied on auction procedures that did not guarantee adherence to the “E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016,” and associated management standards.
An official pointed out that e-waste contains toxic components that can harm environment and public health if not managed properly. To minimise the risks, it is crucial to dispose of e-waste responsibly by following established guidelines and recycling mechanisms, he added.
As per the advice of experts, people have been advised to avoid dumping e-waste in open spaces or with general waste and hand over e-waste only to authorised recycling centres.
