ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT-ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

MODULE-5

E-WASTE Management, Policies and Regulations, Relevant laws,

Policies and Regulations in India

The dominant role of the informal sector, and the health and environmental challenges that
accompany informal e-waste handling were key reasons for the introduction of regulation
in the form of E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules in 2011. These Rules came into
effect from 1 May 2012. However, the implementation of these Rules was not very
effective due to shortcomings on multiple fronts. To address the shortcomings, and to make
the legal framework effective and functional, E-waste (Management) Rules 2016 were
notified in March 2016. They came into effect from October 2016, superseding the 2011
Rules. In March 2018, these Rules were amended.
The primary objective of the 2016 Rules is to ensure environmentally sound management of
e-waste. The Rules also endeavor to ensure protection against adverse effects of
inappropriate handling and management of e-waste.

Specific objectives

• To implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), as elaborated in the 2016

Rules, laying emphasis on producers’ responsibility for environmentally sound
management of e-waste, even at the post- consumer stage.
• To promote the establishment of an efficient e-waste collection mechanism, through
take-back systems and buy back.
• To promote environmentally sound technologies through authorized dismantlers and
recyclers.
• To minimize illegal recycling and recovery operations in the informal sector.
• To reduce the use of hazardous substances in the manufacture of EEE.

The Rules have bound a handful of stakeholders—producers, manufacturers, recyclers,

dismantlers, refurbishers, dealers and e-retailers—and specified the activities each of them needs
to perform, right from seeking authorization to maintaining records and filing annual returns.

The term EPR has been redefined to mean responsibility of any producer of electrical or
electronic equipment as given in Schedule-I for meeting recycling targets as per Schedule-III
and Schedule-IV, only through registered recyclers of e-waste to ensure environmentally sound
management of such waste. Further, the definition of term ‘producer’ has also been widened.

SALIENT FEATURES OF E WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES 2016

• It is based on the principle of EPR, where the producer of the equipment has been
mandated to channelize the e-waste generated after the use of their equipment and
manage it in an environmentally sound manner. The producer can do this by

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implementing take back system or setting up of collection centres or both by having

agreed arrangements with authorized dismantler or recycler. They could do this either
individually or collectively through a Producer Responsibility Organization
• It recognizes and defines each of the stakeholder who are involved with production of
electronic equipment and management of the waste generated at the end of its useful
life namely the producer, manufacturer, consumer, bulk consumer, collection centres,
dealers, e-retailers, refurbisher, dismantler and recycler. The responsibilities of each of
the stakeholder are also explicit in the rule.
• Specific targets have been set for the producers with expectation of managing 30% of
the waste generated during the first two years of implementation of the rule. This target
has been gradually increased so that by the seventh year of implementation of this rule
nearly 70% of the e-waste generated is properly managed.
• The penalty of non-compliance of meeting the target includes cancellation of EPR
authorization which would result in the producer not being able to put products in
market until EPR authorization is regranted.
• Apart for having a planned system for managing e-waste the producers are also required
to reduce the amount of hazardous substances in their equipment. The equipment should
not contain Lead, Mercury, Hexavalent Chromium, polybrominated biphenyls and
polybrominated diphenyl ethers beyond a maximum concentration value of 0.1% by
weight and Cadmium of 0.01% by weight in homogenous materials.

E WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES 2022

The E-Waste Management Rules, 2022 were revised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and came into force on April 1, 2023. Here are the key
features:
• Applicability:
o The rules apply to manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, dismantlers, and
recyclers involved in e-waste management.
o All these entities must register on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
portal.
o No business can operate without registration or deal with unregistered entities.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
o Schedule I now includes 106 Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(EEE) under the EPR regime.
o Producers of notified EEE have annual e-waste recycling targets based on
previous sales or EEE generation.
• Solar PV Modules/Cells:
o Management of solar PV modules/panels/cells is now part of the rules.
o Quantity recycled is computed based on end products to prevent false claims.
• EPR Certificate:
o Introduced provisions for the generation and transaction of EPR Certificates.
• Environmental Compensation, Verification, and Audit:

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 ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT-ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

o New provisions for environmental compensation, verification, and audit.

• Steering Committee:
o A committee oversees overall rule implementation.
• Reducing Hazardous Substances:
o Producers must ensure EEE products do not contain lead, mercury, or other
hazardous substances beyond prescribed limits.
o Focus on worker safety and health during dismantling and recycling.

Major Differences between 2016 and 2022 E-waste Management Rules

1. Scope and Applicability:

o 2016 Rules: Covered manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, recyclers,
dealers, consumers, and collection centers.
o 2022 Rules: Focus on manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers
(MPRDR). Dealers, consumers, and collection centers are no longer included.
2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
o 2016 Rules: Emphasized collection targets for e-waste.
o 2022 Rules: Introduce annual e-waste recycling targets for producers. This
ensures proper recycling and safe disposal.
3. Registration Requirement:
o 2016 Rules: Required authorization from State Pollution Control Boards.
o 2022 Rules: Mandate MPRDR to register on a portal developed by the Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Prevention and management

National and international actions are essential to protect communities from dangerous e-waste
recycling activities. Actions that can be taken include:

• adopting and enforcing high-level international agreements;

• developing and implementing national e-waste management legislation that protects
public health;
• incorporating health protection measures into national legislation;
• monitoring e-waste sites and surrounding communities;
• implementing and monitoring interventions that improve informal e-waste recycling
activities, protect public health and ensure vital sources of community revenue;
• educating health workers across all levels on e-waste-related child health issues;
• eliminating child labour.

International Laws and Policies for E-waste Management

1. The Global E-waste Monitor 2024:

o Launched in March 2024, this indispensable reference tool provides an
overview of global e-waste data, statistics, and policy progress.

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 ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT-ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

o In 2022, a record 62 billion kg of e-waste was generated globally, equivalent

to an average of 7.8 kg per capita per year.
o Only 22.3% of this e-waste mass was formally collected and recycled in an
environmentally sound manner.
o Europe led in e-waste generation (17.6 kg per capita) and had the highest
documented collection and recycling rate (7.5 kg per capita),
recycling 42.8% of the e-waste.
o African countries had the lowest rate, with less than 1% of e-waste being
formally collected and recycled.
o The growth rate of countries implementing e-waste policy, legislation, or
regulation is decelerating.
2. Countries with E-waste Regulations (2023):
o As of June 2023, 81 countries (approximately 72% of the world’s population)
have e-waste policies or regulations.
o This falls short of the ITU target of 50% (97 countries) by 2023.
3. Basel Convention:
o Controls the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, including e-waste.
o The Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention entered into force in 2019

• The Basel Convention controls the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and
their disposal. It is a comprehensive environmental agreement that aims to tackle issues
surrounding hazardous wastes, including e-waste and its management.
• In 2019, the Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention entered into force. It prohibits
the movement of hazardous wastes, including e-waste, from countries of the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European
Commission countries and Liechtenstein to other states that are party to the Convention.
The Basel Convention runs programmes and workshops to develop and deliver
guidance on environmentally sound management of e-waste. It also provides states with
guidelines to distinguish between waste and non-waste and the transboundary
movement of e-waste.
• Additionally, regional conventions also exist, such as the Bamako Convention and
the Waigani Convention.
• The Bamako Convention is a treaty among African nations that prohibits the import
of any hazardous waste (including radioactive waste) into Africa. It came into force
in 1998.
• The Waigani Convention is a regional agreement to ban and control hazardous and
radioactive wastes in the South Pacific. It is based on the Basel Convention and covers
the Convention Area of each Party's Exclusive Economic Zone.

WHO response

WHO’s Initiative on E-waste and Child Health is contributing to a number of international e-

waste programmes and pilot projects in countries in Latin America and Africa. These pilot

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 ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT-ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

projects are developing frameworks to protect children’s health from e-waste exposures that
can be adapted and replicated in other countries and settings. The Initiative aims to:

• increase access to evidence, knowledge and awareness of the health impacts of e-waste
• improve health sector capacity to manage and prevent risks
• facilitate monitoring of exposure to e-waste and interventions that protect public health.

In 2021, WHO released its first global report on e-waste and child health, which called for
greater effective and binding action to protect children from the growing threat. WHO has
developed training tools for the health sector, such as the recently updated training package for
health care providers, including a specific training module on lead and on e-waste and child
health. Additionally, WHO contributes to multi-agency capacity training tools including
a MOOC and a joint course with PAHO.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. 1. Who is a Manufacturer under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 and amendments

thereafter?
A. Under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 ‘Manufacturer’ means a person or an entity
or a company as defined in the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) or a factory as
defined in the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948) or Small and Medium Enterprises as
defined in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of
2006), which has facilities for manufacturing of electrical and electronic equipment as
specified in Schedule- I.

Q.2. Who is a Producer under E-Waste (M) rules, 2022 and amendments thereafter?

A. Under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 ‘Producer’ means any person

who, irrespective of the selling technique used such as dealer, retailer, e-retailer,

i. Manufactures and offers to sell electrical and electronic equipment and their
components or consumables or parts or spares under its own brand; or
ii. Offers to sell under its own brand, assembled electrical and electronic equipment
and their components or consumables or parts or spares produced by other
manufacturers or suppliers; or
iii. Offers to sell imported electrical and electronic equipment and their components
or consumables or parts or spares;
iv. Who imports used electrical and electronic equipment

Q. 3. Who is a Refurbisher under E-Waste (Management) rules, 2022 and amendments thereafter?

A. Under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 ‘Refurbisher’ means any person or entity
repairing or assembling used electrical and electronic equipment as listed in Schedule-
I for extending its working life over its originally intended life and for same use as

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originally intended, and selling the same in the market;

Q. 4 . Who is Recycler under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 and amendments thereafter?
A. Under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 ‘Recycler’ means any person or entity who
is engaged in recycling and reprocessing of waste electrical and electronic equipment
or assemblies or their components or their parts for recovery of precious, semi-precious
metals including rare earth elements and other useful recoverable materials to
strengthened the secondary sourced materials and having facilities as elaborated in the
guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board made in this regard;

Q. 5. What regulation are applicable for the management of E-Waste in India?

A. The management of E-Waste in India is presently regulated under E-Waste
(Management) Rules, 2022 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Further the
Rules are effective from 01-04-2023. Rules are available at CPCB’s website (Link
http://cpcb.nic.in/e-waste/).

Q.6 . What is the overall objective of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022?

A. The overall objective of E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 is to take all steps required
to ensure that E-Waste is managed in a manner which shall protect health and
environment against any adverse effects, which may result from such E-Waste.

Q. 7 . What are the salient features of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022?

A. The salient features of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 are as follows:

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for the producers of electrical or

electronic equipment as given in Schedule-I for meeting recycling targets as per
Schedule-III and Schedule-IV, only through registered recyclers of E-Waste to
ensure environmentally sound management of such waste.
• 106 EEEs under seven categories have been covered
• Focuses on recycling - E-Waste recycling targets as EPR Obligation to Producers
in terms of end products of recycling.
• Provision for generation of EPR certificate on the EPR Portal based on E-
Waste recycled in terms of four end products (gold, copper, aluminum, iron).
• Producers to fulfil their EPR obligation by proportionately purchasing of
EPR certificate on the Portal from registered recyclers.
• Encouraging re-use of EEEs, through generation of Refurbishing Certificate.
• Management of Solar photo-voltaic modules or panel or cells, included in
the schedule however, no recycling target only storage till 2034-35.
• Provision for imposition and collection of environmental compensation charges
in case of violation of any of the provision of these rules.
• Quarterly and Annual Returns by Producers.
• Audit of stakeholders.

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Q.8 . The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 shall apply to whom?

A. The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 shall apply to every Manufacturer, Producer,
Recycler, Refurbisher and Dismantler involved in manufacture, sale, transfer,
purchase, refurbishing, dismantling, recycling and processing of e-waste or electrical
and electronic equipment listed in Schedule I, including their components,
consumables, parts and spares which make the product operational.

Q. 9 . Entities required to register at E-Waste EPR Portal?

A. As per the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022, following entities are required to
register at E-Waste -EPR Portal:
(a) Manufacturer;
(b) Producer;
(c) Refurbisher;
(d) Recycler.

Q. 1 0 . The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 shall not apply to whom?

A. The E-Waste (M) Rules, 2022 shall not apply to following:

a) Waste batteries as covered under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022;
b) Packaging plastics as covered under the Plastic Waste Management
Rules, 2016;
c) Micro enterprise as defined in the Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises Development Act,2006 (27 of 2006); and
d) Radio-active wastes as covered under the provisions of the Atomic Energy
Act, 1962 (33 of 1962) and rules made there under.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. The concept of extended producer responsibility was introduced in which rules
a. The e-waste management and handling rules 2011
b. Solid Waste Management Rules
c. both A and B
d. Neither

2. Which rules covers management of e-waste

a. environment in forest hazardous waste management and handling rules of 2008
b. The e-waste management and handling rules 2011
c. Solid Waste Management Rules
d. None of the above
3. Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, who is responsible for setting up e-waste
collection mechanisms?
A) Municipalities
B) State governments
C) Producers of electronic goods

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D) Consumers
4. Which legislation regulates e-waste management in India?
A) The Water Act, 1974
B) The Air Act, 1981
C) The E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
D) The Environment Protection Act, 1986
5. Which international convention addresses the transboundary movement of hazardous
wastes, including e-waste?
A) Basel Convention
B) Stockholm Convention
C) Kyoto Protocol
D) Montreal Protocol
6. Which year did India implement its first e-waste management rules?
A) 2001
B) 2011
C) 2016
D) 2018
7. What is the main objective of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016?
A) To reduce the use of hazardous substances in electronics
B) To ensure the environmentally sound management of e-waste
C) To promote the recycling of natural resources
D) To regulate the import and export of electronic goods
8. Who is primarily responsible for e-waste management under the Indian regulations?
A) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
B) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
C) Producers of electronic goods
D) Consumers
9. What does ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ (EPR) mean in the context of e-waste in
India?
A) Producers must extend the lifespan of their products
B) Producers are responsible for the disposal of their products after use
C) Producers must provide financial support for e-waste management
D) Producers are required to use recycled materials in their products
10. Which of these is a compliance requirement for producers under the E-Waste
(Management) Rules, 2016?
A) Setting up collection centers for e-waste
B) Providing buy-back arrangements for old products
C) Ensuring that new products are energy efficient
D) Both A and B
11. Which organization published the report on pathways to circular economy in the Indian
electronics sector?
A) The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association
B) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
C) The United Nations Environment Programme

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D) The World Health Organization

12. In which year were the E-Waste Management Rules first introduced, incorporating the
concept of EPR?
A) 2008
B) 2011
C) 2016
D) 2022
13. Which set of rules specifically covers the management of e-waste, hazardous waste, and
the environment?
A) E-Waste Management and Handling Rules, 2011
B) Hazardous Waste Management and Handling Rules, 2008
C) E-Waste Management Rules, 2022
D) Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
14. What is the theme of International E-Waste Day?
A) “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”
B) “You Can Recycle Everything”
C) “E-Waste Awareness Matters”
D) “Green Electronics for a Better Tomorrow”
15. Which declaration aimed to develop groundbreaking approaches to managing
electronic trash in an environmentally responsible manner?
A) Paris Declaration
B) Kyoto Declaration
C) Nairobi Declaration
D) Geneva Declaration
16. What key aspect does the E-Waste Management Rules of 2022 streamline for regulated
persons?
A) Registration requirements
B) Waste export procedures
C) Battery disposal guidelines
D) Plastic waste management
17. What is the penalty framework for non-compliance under the 2022 rules?
A) A fine of up to ₹1,000
B) Imprisonment for up to 2 years
C) A fine of up to ₹1 lakh
D) Community service
18. Under which sections of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, are the penalties for
non-compliance mentioned?
A) Sections 10 and 11
B) Sections 15 and 16
C) Sections 20 and 21
D) Sections 25 and 26
19. What additional responsibility do manufacturers and producers have under the 2022
rules?
A) Ensuring proper disposal of e-waste
B) Collecting e-waste during production
C) Reporting quarterly returns
D) Developing solar photovoltaic modules
20. What is the estimated annual production of e-waste globally?
A) 10 million tonnes
B) 30 million tonnes

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C) 53.6 million tonnes

D) 100 million tonnes
21. What percentage of e-waste produced globally in 2019 was formally recycled?
A) 5.2%
B) 17.4%
C) 35.8%
D) 50.1%
22. E-waste is considered hazardous due to toxic materials. Which of the following is NOT
a toxic substance found in e-waste?
A) Dioxins
B) Lead
C) Mercury
D) Gold
23. Who faces the most significant risks from e-waste exposure?
A) Adults in high-income countries
B) Children in low- and middle-income countries
C) Pregnant women globally
D) Elderly individuals
24. Despite regulations, e-waste is still illegally transported across borders. Which
countries are particularly affected?
A) High-income countries
B) Low- and middle-income countries
C) Island nations
D) Arctic regions
25. E-waste management rules in India are
A) E-waste management rule 2011
B) E-waste management rule 2016
C) E-waste management rule 2022
D) All of these
26. E-waste management rules, 2022 came into effect from
A) April 10th, 2022
B) April 1st, 2023
C) December 1st, 2023
D) June 1st, 2023
27. As per E-waste management rules, the important stakeholders are
A) producers
B) manufacturers, dealers and e-retailers
C) recyclers, dismantlers, refurbishers
D) All of these
28. E-waste Management, 2022 Rule focusses on
A) Manufacturers
B) Producers
C) Refurbishers and recyclers
D) All of these
29. E-waste Management Rule 2022: Mandates MPRDR to register on a portal developed
by the ____________
A) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
B) State Pollution Control Board
C) Both A and B

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D) None of the above

30. A tool Launched in March 2024, for providing an overview of global e-waste data,
statistics, and policy progress
A) The Global E-waste Monitor 2024
B) Bamako Convention
C) Basil Convention
D) Waigani Convention
31. How many Countries have proper E-waste Regulations and policies as on 2023?
A) 100
B) 81
C) 120
D) 50
32. The ___________ Convention is a treaty among African nations that prohibits the
import of any hazardous waste into Africa.
A) The Global E-waste Monitor 2024
B) Bamako Convention
C) Basil Convention
D) Waigani Convention
33. The ________ is a regional agreement to ban and control hazardous and radioactive
wastes in the South Pacific.
A) The Global E-waste Monitor 2024
B) Bamako Convention
C) Basil Convention
D) Waigani Convention
34. ‘Producer’ means any person who, irrespective of the
selling technique used such as dealer, retailer, e-retailer,

A) Manufactures and offers to sell electrical and electronic equipment

B) Offers to sell under its own brand, assembled electrical and electronic equipment
and their components
C) Offers to sell imported electrical and electronic equipment and their components
D) All of these
35. The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 shall apply to every
A) Manufacturer,
B) Producer,
C) Recycler, Refurbisher and Dismantler
D) All of these

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