Do not throw away that old mobile phone, computer or any other electronic gadget; you may soon be eligible for a little refund.
According to the new ‘E-Waste Management Rules’, mobile phones, computers and certain electronic devices have been placed under the Deposit Refund Scheme allowing the manufacturer to give you a small refund if it is returned to ensure its safe disposal. Under the new rules, manufacturers of electronic products have been made responsible for recycling and safe disposal with the government setting targets to be achieved by them.
The new rules also bring under their ambit Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury containing lamps, as well as other such equipment and have brought in penalty provisions in case of improper management of e-waste. Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said 17 lakh tonnes of e-waste was generated every year and estimates by experts have projected it to grow at 5% annually.
The new rules make the manufacturer responsible to collect e-waste generated during the manufacture of any electrical and electronic equipment and channelise it for recycling or disposal and seek authorization from SPCB.
The rules also make it mandatory for bulk consumers to collect the items and hand them over to authorised recyclers.
Published 23 March 2016, 20:19 IST