Karnataka Govt gears up with strict policy for e-waste management to ramp up recycling

state government came up with a stringent separate policy to ensure that manment of electronic waste, which is harmful to health and environment, is done in a systematic manner. While regulations for e-waste manment are alrey in place, maintenance and recycling are t in place as much as it should have been. state is far behind in that regard. So, government has decided to prevent risk of e-waste by formulating a watertight policy.

Bengaluru ranks 3rd in country in e-waste generation and 'IT city' produces about 1.2 lakh tonnes of electronic waste annually. re are around 200 centres in Bengaluru that handle e-waste recycling. However, experts say that recycling units are working properly and huge amount of waste generated in city is affecting nature and health.

State Pollution Control Board also framed separate regulations based on guidelines framed by central government regarding e-waste manment. However, it is t being maintained and monitored properly. That is why state government intends to tighten rules, say sources in environment department.

Eshwar Khandre, Environment and Forest Minister told Republic, "E-waste contains toxic substances. y need to be processed and recycled properly. existing law needs to be implemented properly. A separate policy in this regard has been discussed. A new policy will be brought in as soon as possible. People's health and environmental manment are very important for government."

What is e-waste being generated?

When various items like computers, television, VCRs, stereo, fax machines, copiers, microwaves, cellphones, remotes, etc. are t in use, y are identified as e-waste or electronic waste. An official said, " overall objective is to conduct an audit of waste manment. From use of electronic materials to recycling, overall objective of policy is to ensure that recyclable materials are properly utilised and maintained."

E-Waste a hazardous toxic pool of chemicals

It is estimated that 60 million e-waste is generated annually in world. According to it, a person produces 7.6 kg. However, recycling is only 17.4 per cent. This is a figure in world, but it is almost same in all countries.

E-waste contains various s of chemicals like beryllium, cmium, mercury, le, etc. It has been identified as very dangerous for environment. If se chemicals are t handled properly, y can enter soil, groundwater, and water bodies and affect animals, birds and humans.

Stress on recycling and reuse

re are 200 recycling centres in Bengaluru. According to m, 100 per cent e-waste manment is being done. But government is t rey to accept it. This is because recycling rate is 17.4 per cent. refore, apart from conducting audits, some rules will be framed for se centres as well.