Gujarat government gives new e-waste management policy

Gujarat, a significant contributor to e-waste in India, has introduced a draft policy to effectively manage electronic waste (e-waste).

The state government's comprehensive plan, crafted with expert input, focuses on incentivizing e-waste disposal and establishing a system for direct collection from the private sector. Additionally, a network will be set up at the village level for the collection of e-waste and Information Communication Technology in Education (ICTE) assets.

Ranked sixth in the country for e-waste collection, Gujarat aims to ensure responsible handling by enforcing adherence to e-waste management rules and preventing data leaks from condemned ICTE assets. The policy proposes the formation of IT committees within government offices and departments, comprising IT specialists and relevant personnel. These committees will assess the condition and lifespan of ICTE assets, recommending condemnation based on criteria like outdated technology, non-repairable issues, or exceeding repair costs.

E-waste, comprising discarded electronic device remnants, poses challenges due to improper disposal, releasing toxic materials like mercury and lead, impacting health and polluting the environment. The policy document underscores the presence of toxic additives and hazardous substances in e-waste, such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Inadequate control of these materials can expose communities to contaminants, leading to health issues like cancers, neurological damage, and diminished IQs.

To address this, condemned e-waste will be disposed of through Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB)-registered e-waste recyclers. The Union government has indicated the presence of 40 authorized dismantlers and recyclers and 93 e-waste producers in Gujarat. The state's initiative aims to enhance responsible e-waste management, safeguarding the environment and public health.