TNPCB seeks space for e-waste management in industrial parks

17 Sep 2024 CW Team

The EWM Rules require state governments to designate or allocate space within industrial parks, estates, and clusters for the dismantling and recycling of e-waste. The document also mentioned that TNPCB is collaborating with the UK Deputy High Commission on e-waste inventory and gap analysis projects. Additionally, TNPCB has instructed all producers registered under the previous EWM Rules, 2016, to transition to the new EWM Rules, 2022. By March 11, 463 producers and four recyclers were reported to be registered under the new rules.

The TNPCB's annual report for the financial year 2022-2023 indicated that 35,153 tonnes of e-waste were collected, with 34,212 tonnes of materials recovered. On the other hand, researcher A. Shankar Prakash has alleged that planned obsolescence by manufacturers is a key factor contributing to the large quantities of e-waste. Planned obsolescence involves designing products with limited lifespans to encourage repeated purchases.

Shankar Prakash criticised the practice, noting that companies often reduce or cease production of spare parts, compelling consumers to buy new products and thereby generating more e-waste. He emphasised the need to hold companies accountable and to move towards more sustainable production and consumption. He referenced a study conducted in New Delhi, which found that 74 per cent of consumers replace their mobile phones due to high repair costs or functionality issues, attributing this to planned obsolescence strategies that make devices seem outdated. Prakash explained that such strategies include slowing down devices, using inferior materials, and designing products that are difficult to repair.

With electronic waste (e-waste) emerging as a significant environmental issue, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has reportedly requested the Industries and Housing and Urban Development departments to allocate land in industrial areas for managing e-waste. According to a government document, this request seeks land in both existing and upcoming industrial areas for the environmental management of e-waste, in line with the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which came into effect on April 1, 2023. However, it is understood that the relevant departments have not yet allocated the land. The EWM Rules require state governments to designate or allocate space within industrial parks, estates, and clusters for the dismantling and recycling of e-waste. The document also mentioned that TNPCB is collaborating with the UK Deputy High Commission on e-waste inventory and gap analysis projects. Additionally, TNPCB has instructed all producers registered under the previous EWM Rules, 2016, to transition to the new EWM Rules, 2022. By March 11, 463 producers and four recyclers were reported to be registered under the new rules. The TNPCB's annual report for the financial year 2022-2023 indicated that 35,153 tonnes of e-waste were collected, with 34,212 tonnes of materials recovered. On the other hand, researcher A. Shankar Prakash has alleged that planned obsolescence by manufacturers is a key factor contributing to the large quantities of e-waste. Planned obsolescence involves designing products with limited lifespans to encourage repeated purchases. Shankar Prakash criticised the practice, noting that companies often reduce or cease production of spare parts, compelling consumers to buy new products and thereby generating more e-waste. He emphasised the need to hold companies accountable and to move towards more sustainable production and consumption. He referenced a study conducted in New Delhi, which found that 74 per cent of consumers replace their mobile phones due to high repair costs or functionality issues, attributing this to planned obsolescence strategies that make devices seem outdated. Prakash explained that such strategies include slowing down devices, using inferior materials, and designing products that are difficult to repair.

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