What is E-Waste?
Electronic equipment or devices that we purchase and either stop using or are automatically destroyed after a specific time are known as “e-waste.” We often follow the current. To stay fashionable, we frequently replace our technology every year.
“I was using a cell phone from one company today and switching to another the following year.” E-Waste is the name for this kind of waste.
Managing E-Waste
The necessity of handling electronic garbage in an environmentally sustainable manner has come to light more frequently.
It prompted the government to adopt regulations that encourage recycling and forbid the disposal of e-waste in landfills. It also allowed private companies to participate in this expanding market by offering recycling services and managing e-waste collecting facilities.
But there are still a lot of gaps that need to be examined because of some things that could be improved in the policies.
The issue with E-Waste in India
In India, e-waste poses a risk to the environment and public health. Lead acid batteries, mercury thermometers, electric switches, and other common e-waste goods in India contain toxic materials that are dangerous to human health. Five million tonnes of electronic garbage were considered present in India in 2010. If nothing is done today, this quantity will increase to 8 million tonnes by 2020.
Numerous demonstrations have been against incorrect e-waste disposal practices that can contaminate groundwater with hazardous substances and heavy metals. Due to rising imports and increased use of electronics in India, the amount of waste produced by IT products will increase from 1.4 million metric tonnes (in 2015) to 3.6 million metric tonnes by 2025.
The current regulation in India for E-waste
The Indian government has announced a new e-waste strategy, which will go into effect by 2020. This strategy will make it easier for the Indians to recycle and forbid the import of dangerous electronic waste.
Additionally, it mandates that producers return their goods at the end of their useful lives. The strategy benefits India’s economy and ecology.
There is no requirement for change. The regulation ensures that manufacturers are responsible for how their products are disposed of and that imports are outlawed since they can result in illegal dumping or recycling. Additionally, Indians who want to purchase modern technology at lower costs must do so from domestic suppliers.
The necessity of change
Since 2008, India has been working to solve its e-waste issue. This regulation was established to prevent India from becoming a place where wealthier nations dump waste.
It is performing differently than expected. It is because of various factors, including a need for knowledge and instruction regarding the recycling of e-waste and a need for waste management infrastructure. Additionally, the fact that there are no consequences for unlawful e-waste dumping does not help. To keep up with our commitment to cleanliness and environmental preservation, we must update our policies to make them more effective.
What type of change is required in Indian E-waste Industry?
The existing Indian e-waste policy is problematic since it is not implemented. There needs to be a method for the authorities to ensure that people correctly remove their old equipment. This issue can be resolved by putting together a team to monitor what individuals do with their old electronics when they dispose of them and to impose penalties against offenders. People who purchase new equipment might be subject to taxes or other charges, making them reconsider how frequently they make purchases. Another approach would involve recycling companies returning damaged goods to customers so they can be used rather than dumped in landfills.
Conclusion
Finally, we must never forget that it is our responsibility to maintain a clean environment. We should retain our technological equipment periodically and use it effectively. The only way to increase the typical lifespan of an item is to service it promptly.
By keeping our devices clean, purchasing a new case, and avoiding overcharging, we can also keep them functional. It holds all the electrical gadgets. It is entirely up to every person to keep our environment clean. Making India a better place to live should be the responsibility of every Indian.
