Dumping e-waste is illegal now

The law seeks to put the onus largely on manufacturers,which are supposed to pick up the item,and they have sought revisions in the draft guidelines for seeking authorisation to initiate a take-back.

We have asked the ministry to bring about a single-point authorisation system so that a manufacturer selling his product in all states does not need to take authorisation from every state, said an executive director of MAIT,the apex body of the IT manufacturing industry. While the bigger manufacturers are ready for the new rule,we will be initiating a process to make the smaller manufacturers also comply.

Non-compliance can entail imprisonment or a fine. As of now,these penalties are only for manufacturers and bulk consumers.

The Recycle route

Call up manufacturer; if they dont pick up,complain to Pollution Control Board

Check with dealer,reseller about collection centres,if any

Check if local scrap dealer has an authorisation certificate from PCB

Check with manufacturer for incentives on offer,such as discounts on next buy