Dimapur, September 18 (MExN): e-CIRCLE, an initiative taken by three young Naga youths with the main objective to make it as social entrepreneurs by collecting e-waste and sending it for recycling to different cities of India, was officially authorized as an e-waste collection Centre by the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) at their Office on September 17.
e-CIRCLE is currently working with Hulladek Recycling Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata who operates as an Authorized Management Center of Electronic Waste with the consent of West Bengal Pollution Control Board, informed a press release received here.
During the event, Er Aghali Swu, Assistant Environment Engineer of NPCB Dimapur emphasized on the Rule No. 6 of the E-Waste (Amendment) Rules, 2018 which states the responsibilities of a collection centre. Under this rule it is clearly mention that the e-waste must be collected and stored on behalf of the dismantler, recycler and refurbisher and ensure that all the facilities of the collection centre is in accordance of the standards and guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board.
She also added that e-waste must be handled in an environmentally sound manner, ensuring that all proper steps are taken to protect health and environment against any adverse effects, which may occur from e-waste.
The rule mandates consumers to dispose of their e-waste only through authorized recyclers; that the State Government has to ensure the safety, health and skill development of the workers involved in the dismantling and recycling operations. Further, Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Committee, Council, and Corporation) are assigned the duty to collect and channelized the orphan products to authorized dismantler or recycler.
e-CIRCLE has a storage unit in Diphupar B, Dimapur where all the collected materials are stored. The team has been reaching out to different offices, institutions and dealers who are bulk consumers of e-waste and sensitizing them about the harmful effects of improper disposal of e-waste and the need of recycling it for the betterment of our health and environment.
Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) or commonly referred to as E-Waste comprises of electrical appliances or accessories whole or in part that are rejects from its manufacturing or repairing process, intended to be discarded due to malfunction, outdated and obsolete. Television, Desktop, Keyboard, Mouse, printer, smart phones, electric kettle, electric cooking induction, wires, batteries and cables are some of the common e-waste generated. The effects of unregulated or under-regulated management of e-waste are plentiful and toxic causing damages to heart and kidney, loss of memory, low IQ, improper development of nervous and reproductive system.
India is the fifth largest generators of E-waste in the world mostly due to the large population and imports from developed countries. India generates 200 million metric tonnes annually. Presently there are 178 units of Registered Dismantlers/Recyclers in the country spread across 14 states. The total capacity of thee Dismantlers/Recyclers is Approx. 438086 MTA.
“Any persons or offices willing to donate or sell their e-waste for recycling can contact e-CIRCLE and the team will carry out door-to-door pick up,” the team informed while adding that they can be reached through Facebook @ e-CIRCLE or mail at contact@e-circle2018.com
