In today's rapidly advancing digital age, the lifecycle of electronic products is becoming increasingly shorter. From obsolete mobiles to useless computers and busted TVs, e-waste or electronic waste is accumulating with a demented pace. Strategic policymaking and greener strategies must be utilized in an attempt to curb this mounting pile of e-waste, one such step being EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility). In this blog post, we describe what is e-waste, how EPR relates to waste management, and how it aids the circular economy.
What is E-Waste?
E-waste or electronic waste is electrical or electronic equipment garbage. They are:
- Computers and laptops
- mobile phones
- Televisions
- Air conditioners
- Washing machines
- LED bulbs and others
They contain toxic materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and environment- and health-hazardous flame retardants in uncontrolled disposal.
E-waste has valuable materials like copper, gold, and rare earth to be disposed of safely in recycling.
- Two-sided nature of e-waste as hazard and resource must be disposed of properly.
Learning About EEE (Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
EEE. It is an acronym for Electrical and Electronic Equipment. It is everything that runs on a battery or power wire. The Government of India regulates the EEE on the basis of various kinds of products such as:
- IT and Telecommunication Equipment
- Customer Electronics
- Lighting Equipment
- Large and Small domestic Appliances
- Electrical Tools
- Toys and Leisure Equipment
- Medical Devices
EEE becomes e-waste if it has attained the end-of-life phase or is no longer valuable to the consumers.
What is EPR in Waste Management?
Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR is an approach strategy wherein considerable responsibility — financial and/or physical — for treatment/disposal off post-consumer products is transferred to the producers.
In epr waste management, the producer is responsible for the entire life cycle of the EEE product and, first and foremost, for take-back, recycling, and environmentally friendly disposal when the product turns into e-waste.
EPR Key Targets in Waste Management:
- Reduce environmental footprint of e-waste
- Maximize recycling and reuse of valuable material
- Reduce landfilling of hazardous waste
- Encourage eco-design and green production
EPR for E-Waste: India's Legal Framework
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 are the Indian laws of e-waste management. The rules obligatorily state that:
- The manufacturers of EEIE must possess the EPR certification of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- They must set up collection units such as take-back units or drop-off points.
- They must recycle a minimum percentage of e-waste generated through their products every year.
Defaulting would entail charging default and cancellation of permits.
Who is Mandated for Registration under E-Waste EPR?
The following which are categorised under the EPR requirement of e-waste EPR are:
- Manufacturers or Importers of EEE
- Brand Owners
- Refurbishers
- Recyclers
These units will have to register themselves on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) EPR Portal for epr compliance for e waste.
E-Waste EPR Registration Process
Step-by-Step Guide how the stakeholders can register themselves for epr waste management under CPCB guidelines:
Step-By-Step Registration Guide:
Log on to CPCB's EPR portal https://eprportal.cpcb.gov.in and create a login based on your entity category (Producer, Recycler, Refurbisher).
2. Filing of Application
Submit the relevant forms with details such as
- Company profile
- GST, PAN, CIN
- Product category and EEE codes
- EPR plan details such as collection mechanism, approved recyclers, etc.
Documents to be submitted are:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Product details
- Waste management plan
- Agreement with the recyclers/refurbishers
Application is reviewed by CPCB. Exclusive EPR registration certificate is issued on review.
E-Waste Recycling Process under EPR
Step-by-Step E-Waste Recycling Process under EPR:
- Get registered as Manufacturer or Producer in Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) EPR Portal.
- Fill company details, GST, PAN, product-wise sales quantities, and EEE codes.
- Procure Authorization Certificate of EPR.
- list out the EEE products and codes stipulated in Schedule I of the E-Waste (Management) Rules.
- mention the average shelf life of each product (as given or estimated).
- Annuals collection and recycling targets based on shelf life and past sales as stipulated by CPCB.
- to be achieved by empowered recyclers or PROs (Producer Responsibility Organizations).
Maintain records of:
- Quantity of EEE placed on the market
- E-waste collected
- Certificates issued by recyclers (EPR certificates)
- Invoices and transporter receipts
5. Upload EPR Fulfillment
- upload certificate(s) of EPR purchased from registered recyclers on CPCB portal.
- meet targets on June 30 of last financial year.
Process for filing EPR Returns
Apart from being in conformity with epr waste management, companies need to also file returns periodically:
Nature of EPR Returns:
1. Quarterly Returns
- Recycling, refurbishment, collection data
- EEE placed on market
2. Annual Returns
- Cumulative data and target accomplishment
- Evidence of compliance in the form of invoice, recycler certificate
How to File Returns:
- Login to CPCB EPR Portal
- Under 'Returns' tab
- Fill in mandatory fields
- Upload supporting documents (agreements, collection evidence)
- Submit return for validation
Mis-reporting or non-compliance will involve heavy penalty and legal procedure.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance of e-waste EPR requirement involves:
- Suspension of EPR license
- Revocation of EPR license
- Environmental compensation charges
- Legal procedure under the Environment Protection Act
Benefits of EPR for E-Waste
- Promotes Corporate Responsibility: Transfers business responsibility from customer to business.
- Legal Business Operation for Recycling: Provides employment for registered recyclers.
- Conservation of Nature: Prevents illegal dumping and environmental contamination.
- Conservation of Resources: Stimulates recovery and recycling of valuable raw materials.
- Promotes Circular Economy: Stimulates life-cycle product planning as well as green product design.
Conclusion
In rise e-waste, epr role in waste management is most in demand. Indian government e-waste EPR policy assigns future environmental responsibility to the manufacturer. epr registration of e waste, green practices, and on-time return filing make companies compliant as well as a sharp promoter towards a greener cleaner world.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
EEE includes every electronic and electric product used by household consumers, business companies, or industries such as mobile phones, computers, washing machines, printers, etc.
CPCB controls implementation of epr waste management, issues registration, ensures compliance by the manufacturers, and sets collection targets for the manufacturers.
The manufacturers may attain their targets through:
- Collection of e-waste through collection points
- liaising with epr certified recyclers
- Providing evidence of recycling/refurbishment
Yes, all producers, importers, and owners of electronics are needed to be registered under epr for e waste.
It can result in land and water pollution, health hazard, and criminal offense up to penal penalties
The penalties are very severe, the licenses will most probably be suspended, and proceedings can be initiated under the Environmental Protection Act.