Based on a survey carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board in 2005, the generation of e-waste in the country was assessed at 1.46 lakh ton and was estimated to exceed 8 lakh tonnes by 2012. As per the United Nations University report, 17 lakh tonnes of e-waste was generated in the country in 2014.
Ministry does not maintain data about the quantum of recycling of e-waste generated in the country. However, at present, there are 151 registered e-waste dismantlers / recyclers in private sectors in 13 States in the country having combined capacity of 4.46 lakh metric ton per annum.
Ministry has comprehensively revised e-waste (Management & handling) Rules, 2011 and notified e-Waste (Management) Rules, in March, 2016 in order to ensure better implementation of management of electronic waste in the country. The provisions of this Rule include expanding producers responsibility under Extended Producer Responsibility, setting up of producer responsibility organizations and e-waste exchange to facilitate collection and recycling, assigning specific responsibility to bulk consumers of electronic products for safe disposal, providing for economic incentives for collection of electronic waste, and other measures to include dedicated responsibility of electronic and electrical product producers for collection and channelizing of electronic waste. Permission process for dismantling and recycling facilities has been simplified through single authorization based on Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board. State Governments have been entrusted with the responsibility for earmarking industrial space for e-waste dismantling and recycling facilities, and to undertake industrial skill development; and put in place measures for safety and health of workers engaged in dismantling and recycling facilities
All the recycling/dismantling facilities in the country have been financed by private sector. No expenditure has been incurred by Government for setting up of such facilities. As per available reports, significant quantum of e-waste is being managed by unorganized sector. CPCB has undertaken many steps for enforcement of e-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 which include general directions to all State Pollution Control Boards, directions to producers for compliance of the provisions related to reduction of hazardous substance, general directions to Government departments and Public Sector Undertakings for implementation of the provision relating to the disposal of the e-waste. In addition, directions have been issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and to District Magistrate of Moradabad in UP for immediate closure of all illegal and unauthorized e-Waste recycling units operating in Loni, Behta, Hajipur and Rahul Garden area of Uttar Pradesh; Mandoli and Seemapuri areas of Delhi; and Moradabad in UP, respectively.
This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
