Centre plans to start e-waste audit, impose penalty as environment compensation

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Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will audit a range of companies in the next month and a half to ensure they follow standard operating procedures and recycle electronic goods, and impose penalties on those found lacking, two government officials said. The penalties collected as environmental compensation (EC) will be used to finance environment protection efforts, the officials cited above said on the condition of anonymity. The E-waste (Management) Rules, 2024 issued in March empower the CPCB to monitor and fine violators.

“E-waste management amendment rules have already been notified. What is new in it is that CPCB will fix the range of the EC quantity or penalty. The penalty will be different for each industry, category-wise, depending on the electronic product.

For example, the penalty for consumer products will be different from that for IT equipment," one of the two officials said. The explosion in electronics use and ever-shorter product lifecycles have combined with insufficient recycling infrastructure and lack of public awareness, leading to a build-up of hazardous e-waste in the country. The issue gains significance in the background of leaching chemicals polluting soil, water and air, besides posing safety hazards to numerous workers who collect, sort and dispose them.

The rapid accumulation of e-waste also presents challenges in resource recovery. “Addressing e-waste requires strengthening regulations and enforcement, enhancing infrastructure for recycling, and increasing public awareness," said Anjal Prakash, research director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. “Implementing take-back schemes and incentivizing manufacturers to design eco-friendly products can foster a