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Follow UsGreenpeace has been at the forefront on this issue, campaigning for a binding law to make producers financially liable for the management of e-wastes, the organization said in a statement.
The new rule, which was formulated in 2010, but notified only recently, aims to reduce hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
It also says that starting May 2012, all old computers and electronic equipment will have to be disposed off to authorized collection centres, and stipulates that during recycling, and transporting of e-waste, it should not cause any damage to the environment or public health.
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As per the new rule, every dismantler or recycler of e-waste will also have to get consent to establish the facility within three months of enforcement of the new rule, which would be granted by GSPCB.
'New rule creates a level-playing field'
Commenting on the notification, Abhishek Pratap, Senior Campaigner, Greenpeace India, said this is not just a victory for the environment but business, as it creates a level-playing field.
“The rule ensures a transition from the current out-of-sight out-of-mind approach to proper recycling of e-wastes and in the process accelerating the commercial introduction of green electronic products in the market,” he said.
The rule clearly places responsibility on the producers for the entire lifecycle of the product, from design to disposal. Apart from Extended Producer Responsibility principle, the rule is a significant step towards international standards of Restriction of Hazardous substances in electronics, said Geeenpeace.
“By notifying this rule the Government of India has taken a proactive and bold step in the right direction. The main challenge ahead lies in its implementation. In future, we look forward to seeing the rule move towards individual producer responsibility and the banning of more hazardous chemicals,” added Pratap.
Certain gaps too
Pointing out certain gaps in the rule, Pratap said the rule fails to provide safeguards to ensure the ban of import and export of electronic wastes.
“There is also scope for further improvement by making every producer financially liable for the e-wastes generated by their products, based on its toxicity. To accelerate the introduction of greener products, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and all form of Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR) should be included as banned substances,” he said.