31.6% Rise in E-waste Generation Last Year

In the year 2020, India has generated a total of 10,14,961.2 tonnes of e-waste which is an increase of 31.6% when compared to the previous year.

Highlights

• Ashwini Kumar Choubey , Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change relayed this information in the Rajya Sabha.
• The minister has also asked for state-wise data and death reports that might have resulted from e-waste.
• Data regarding e-waste in India is available only from the year 2017-18 onwards.
• In the year 2016 the e-Waste (Management) Rules were notified and since then it has been amended from time to time.
• The Environment Ministry of India has notified 21 types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) which are to be considered as e-waste.

What is the formula for estimation of e-waste generation?

The formula for estimating e-waste generation involves scrutinising the data regarding the sale of electrical and electronic equipment. This sales data shows that in the country there has been a continuous rise in e-waste generation.

E-waste collection mechanism

The government has been encouraging and promoting the creation of an efficient e-waste collection mechanism that is environmentally safe and sound. Recycling through the authorised dismantlers and recyclers of e-waste will minimise e-waste generation in the country.

At present, around 400 recyclers or dismantlers of e-waste are functioning in 20 States of the country.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2021