Tackling tech waste in Pune: Amid rising electronic waste; civic campaign pushes for safe disposal and community action

Hyderabad has launched multiple e-waste initiatives to combat hazardous electronic waste. Led by both public and private sectors, these efforts aim to raise awareness about the dangers of improper e-waste disposal, establish efficient collection mechanisms, and promote safe recycling practices through certified recyclers.What is E-waste?E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices that are no longer in use, are obsolete, or have reached the end of their useful life. This includes items like computers, mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, and other consumer electronics. E-waste often contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, making the proper disposal and recycling of this waste essential to prevent environmental and health risks.E-waste management in HyderabadBeing a major IT hub, Hyderabad has seen a massive escalation in its E-waste production, especially owing to the fact that it is rapidly getting urbanised.The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has enacted the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2018, to promote efficient handling of electronic waste and responsible management to reduce environmental harm. The E-waste Management Rules 2016 outlined the role of the state government of Telangana, which stressed the responsibilities taken by the government, including a mandatory registration process that shall be notified for workers involved in dismantling and recycling after consulting with the Department of Labour, Employment Training, and Factories.

For electronic consumers, records are also to be maintained of the E-waste generated.

The E-waste policy of 2017 had a vision to create an aware society that plays an active role in managing E-waste by channelizing and segregating discarded products to the right avenues. In Telangana, “Green Warriors” are individuals or groups who are actively involved in environmental protection and conservation efforts, supported by the government. According to the Management Policy, Green Warriors are to ensure that the E-waste processing unit provides safety equipment to all staff and follows the rules strictly.The government is also to provide performance-based financial assistance to the E-waste processing unit.