E-Waste Compliance in Uttar Pradesh

E-Waste management regulations in India including those in Uttar Pradesh, are primarily governed by the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 which were enacted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules impose regulations on various stakeholders involved in the manufacture, sale, purchase and disposal of electronic and electrical equipment.

Below given are some key points regarding e-waste compliance in Uttar Pradesh:

1. Registration: Recyclers, producers, refurbishers of electronic and electrical equipment are mandated to obtain necessary authorisation or registration from the State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committees.
2. Collection Targets: The rule stipulates collection targets for producers based on the quality of electronic and electrical equipment they introduce to the market.
3. Record Keeping: Stakeholders involved in the manufacture, sale, purchase and processing of e-waste must maintain records of their activities as specified under the rules.
4. Channelization of E-Waste: The rules require that e-waste can be channelized through authorized collection centers, dismantlers, and recyclers.
5. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 require producers of electronic goods to collect a percentage of e-waste generated by their products. This is known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). They must establish collection centers and manage e-waste in an environmentally sound manner.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for e-waste is mandatory in Uttar Pradesh for any entity that falls under these categories:

• Importer
• Producer/manufacturer
• Brand owner of electronic products

E-Waste compliance in Uttar Pradesh is crucial for several reasons that the impact the environment, public health, and the economy;

• High E-Waste Generation: Uttar Pradesh ranks third in e-waste generation of electronic waste after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This high volume of e-waste necessitates effective management and compliance measures.
• Environment Protection: Electronic waste accounts for 40% of lead, 70% of heavy metals found in landfills. These pollutants are responsible for groundwater contamination, air and soil pollution. Proper E-waste compliance can help mitigate these environmental impacts.
• Health Risks: Nearly 95% of recycling of electronic waste is carried out by unskilled laborers working in the informal sector who are at great risk, formalizing this sector and ensuring compliance with e-waste regulations can help protect these workers.
• Legal Requirements: As per the E-waste management rules, manufacturers of electric and electronic equipment must facilitate their collection and return it to authorized dismantlers or recyclers. Compliance ensures that these legal obligations are met.

Electronic waste can be kept by manufacturers, producers, bulk consumers, collection centers, dealers, refurbishers, dismantlers, recyclers, and other parties for a maximum of 180 days. It is mandatory for them to maintain records of the collection, sale, transfer, and storage of such waste, which may be subject to inspection.

Provided that the concerned State Pollution Control Board may extend the said period up to 365 days in case the waste needs to be specifically stored for development of a process for its recycling and reuse.

In previous years, the percentage of e-waste that should be sent to recycling or dismantling in the centers are as shown below:

• 2016-2017: 15%
• 2017-2018: 30%
• 2018-2019: 40%
• 2020-2022: 50%

E-Waste generation for financial year 2022-23 onwards would be 70%

Below given are some general documents required for E-Waste Compliance:

• Aadhar Card
• PAN Card
• MSME Certificate
• Certificate of Incorporation
• List of Electronic and Electrical Equipment (EEE)
• Authorization from SPCB as e-waste dismantler or recycler
• GST Registration
• Annual and Quarterly Return
• Electricity Bill
• E-Waste Auditing

Recycler Cost: The recycler cost varies depending upon the product and is calculated on an actual basis. It is typically based on the capacity of e-waste an entity generates, recycles, or handles.

Annual Compliance Fees: 10,000/-

Cost of online EPR Awareness Program: 7,000 to 10,000/-

Note: The aformentioned Fees is exclusive of GST.

Note: The Government fee is determined on the basis of actual waste generated and varies accordingly.

E-Waste Compliance in India is a one-time step and an ongoing process of reporting. Everyone including producers, dismantlers, and recyclers should register on the portal at least once. Everyone files annual reports by the year’s end. Some states require additional quarterly reports. By following these frequencies, you can ensure your e-waste management stays in compliance.

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 specifies consequences and penalties for non-compliance in sections 15 and 16. Violators can face imprisonment up to five years or a fine of up to Rs. 1 Lakh. Strict penalties serve as a deterrent. New additions to the draft regulations enhance electronic waste management, requiring increased manpower and technical expertise from the CPCB and SPCBs for monitoring compliance.

In conclusion, as Uttar Pradesh navigates the complexities of managing e-waste, rigorous compliance with regulations and proactive measures are essential. Upholding E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, under the guidance of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) is essential to mitigate the environmental degradation and health hazards associated with improper e-waste disposal. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, raising public awareness, and implementing robust mechanisms, Uttar Pradesh can pave the way for a sustainable management ecosystem. It is crucial to maintain collaboration between government, industry, and civil society to guarantee environmentally sound e-waste management practices throughout Uttar Pradesh.