dataserv & MAIT hold workshop on e-waste rules for bulk consumers

dataserv APAC, global organization for management of redundant electrical and electronic equipment, collaborated with MAIT, the apex body of IT manufacturers in India to hold an awareness workshop on ‘E-waste Rules for Bulk Consumers’. Aimed at sensitising bulk consumers about the range of infrastructural support and facilities available from recyclers, the workshop also discussed and highlights key features of the E-Waste (Management & Handling) Rules 2011.

The E-waste Management and Handling Rules 2011 aim at reduction in the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment by specifying thresholds for use of hazardous material including lead, mercury and cadmium. The rules place the main responsibility of e-waste management on the producers of the electrical and electronic equipment by introducing the concept of ‘extended producer responsibility” (EPR).

Amit Sardana, MD, dataserv APAC was a keynote speaker at the workshop and spoke about ‘Infrastructural support available from Recyclers for the Bulk Consumers’. He highlighted various initiatives launched by dataserv APAC in this regard including the recent introduction of a free e-waste pick up service. Amit Sardana also announced the drop off facility for end of the life assets for the benefit of the Consumers, recently introduced in 30 cities.He was also a member of the panel which discussed ‘Effective Implementation of E-Waste Rules’.

Speaking on the issue of effective e-waste management, Amit Sardana said, “The country is saddled with huge toxic waste, estimated to be more than 8 million tonnes. E-waste is mainly processed by informal units in India in an unethical manner through crude methods which are hazardous for the environment at large. Acting as an impetus for such units is the expectation of a resale value by bulk consumers. It is therefore crucial that manufacturers and bulk consumers realise their responsibility towards careful disposal of e-waste generated.”

Other speakers present at the event included Anand Kumar, Senior Environment Engineer, Central Pollution Control Board, Anil Kumar, Director, Department of Environment, Delhi Government; Dr. Ashish Chaturvedi, Senior Technical Advisor, GIZ; Susheel Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forests and Bikas Singh, Head Government Affairs, Lenovo. The experts acknowledged that with the rapid technological advancement and growing obsolescence rate of electronics and electrical goods, disposal of e-waste is a critical issue faced by the country today.