E-waste has been defined as “waste electrical and electronic equipment, whole/in part or rejects from their manufacturing and repair process, which are intended to be discarded.”

 

In other words, E-waste or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment is the term used to describe old, end-of-life or discarded appliances using electricity. With the increase in usage and dependence on electrical and electronic gadgets such as washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners etc. there has been increase in E-waste generation in large quantities. A UN report estimates that the world wide generation of E-waste is around 30 to 50 Million tons per annum. E-waste generally consists of those substances which are hazardous for environment and can seriously affect the health of the human beings.

Negative consequences of disposal of product in an unscientific manner

Health Risks:

E-waste-connected health risks may result from direct contact with harmful materials such as lead, cadmium, chromium, brominated flame retardants or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), from inhalation of toxic fumes, as well as from accumulation of chemicals in soil, water and food.

Children Are Vulnerable:

Children require more specific protection from E-waste exposure. As they are still growing, their air, water and food intake is more as compared to adults- and with that the risk of hazardous chemical absorption. Moreover, it may cause an irreversible damage to their central nervous system, immune system, reproductive and digestive system.

Environmental Degradation:

Oil and gases which are present in E-waste such as compressor and CRT causes environmental pollution. Burning of rubber and plastic in open area causes air pollution..

Accidental breakage/damage of electronics & E-waste:

Accidental breakage and damage of electronics and E-waste can pose a threat to the environment. As long as the toxic components in electronics are enclosed within the original manufacturer’s designed outer-shell of the gadget, they don’t pose much of a danger as they have been engineered to contain any such effects. However, accidental breakage or damage of such electronics or E-waste can lead to toxic elements leaking and contaminating their immediate environment. Damage to the environment due to accidental breakage of E-waste is a major concern in informal E-waste disposal and recycling facilities, so consumers need to ensure that they dispose their E-waste only at authorized E-waste recycler.

Brief about E-waste (Management) rules 2016

The E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016 have been notified with primary objective to channelize the E-waste generated in the country for environmentally sound recycling which is largely controlled by the un-organized sector who are adopting crude practices that results into higher pollution and less recovery, thereby causing wastages of precious resources and damage to environment.

Guidelines for customers on the disposal of end-of-life products

The appliance’s packaging material is recyclable. Your appliance also contains recyclable matter which is marked with the label. Do not mix it with the waste.

How to drop off products at collection point?

Here are the steps you need to follow when dropping off your electronics item at our Collection Point:

• Pack the electronics item in light packaging, so that the device is secured inside safely.
• Identify the Collection Point in your state through customer care.
• Take the packaged product to the Collection point.
• At the Collection Point, you will be provided with a form. Please fill in the necessary details.

Now submit the product package along with the filled up form at the Collection Point.

Toll Free No : 1800-1214-520

Do’s & Don’ts for customers

Do's :

• Always look for information on the catalogue with your product for end-of life equipment handling.focus on Eco-friendly products.
• Ensure that only Authorized Recycler’s repair and handle your electronic products.
• Always call our E-waste Authorized Collection centers / points to dispose products that have reached end-of life.
• Always drop your used electronic products batteries or any accessories when they reach the end of their life at your nearest Authorized E-waste Collection Centers point.
• Always disconnect the battery from product and ensure any glass surface is protected against breakage.

Don’ts:

• Do not dismantle your electronic products on your own.
• Do not throw electronics in bins having Do not dispose” sign.
• Do not give e-waste to informal (Kabbadi) and unorganized sectors like Local Scrap Dealer Rag Pickers.
• Do not dispose your product in garbage bins along with municipal waste that ultimate reaches landfills.