India’s approach to e-waste management has matured substantially, acknowledging the intricate nature of the challenge. Recent regulations consistently emphasize Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), mandating that producers oversee the entire lifecycle of their products.
The latest notification from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reinforces this strategy, aiming to close loopholes and enhance accountability across all stages of e-waste handling.
• Pre-1989: No dedicated e-waste regulations.
• 1989-2003: E-waste indirectly addressed under Hazardous Waste Management Rules, focusing on hazardous components only.
• 2008: CPCB issues first e-waste specific guidelines for environmentally sound management.
• 2011: E-waste (Management & Handling) Rules introduced, enforcing safe practices and introducing the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
• 2016: Revised E-waste (Management) Rules further develop the EPR system, introduce Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and set up buy-back and deposit refund schemes.
• 2018: Amendments to the 2016 Rules revise targets for producers in response to market realities.
• 2022: E-Waste (Management) Rule, 2022 brings a renewed focus on streamlining management. This includes clear registration requirements, refined EPR approach, and an emphasis on solar technologies.
March 2024 (CPCB Notification): Latest CPCB notification mandates producers to obtain EPR certificates through registered recyclers. This aims to curb fraudulent certificates and ensure greater accountability in the recycling process.
EoM/
