CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has urged the public to hand over electronic waste (e-waste) to authorized dismantlers and recyclers and refrain from burning it.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India has notified that under E-Waste (Management) Rules 2016, collection and processing of e-waste can be carried out only by authorized dismantlers, refurbishes, and recyclers under the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR).
Recent incidents of informal trading, unscientific processing, and the burning of e-waste have been observed through public grievances. According to Rule 24 of E-Waste Management Rules 2016, urban local bodies (ULBs) are responsible for the collection and transportation of e-waste to authorized dismantlers and recyclers.
MoEFCC also mentioned that unscientific processing and burning of e-waste results in adverse impacts on human health and environment which is a matter of concern that needs to be addressed.
Under the E-Waste Management Rules, strict action will be taken against the violators, including the closure of the industry, imprisonment for a term of five years, or a fine of up to 1 lakh or both under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.