Intervention on Electronic Waste

Toxics Link has been engaged with the issue of E-waste since 2002-2003 and was the first one to raise the related concerns in India. Toxics Link carried out a detailed study on trade and recycling of used and unserviceable computers in Delhi in 2002-2003. This study also focused on the toxic contaminants in computer scrap, the recycling operations and its impact on human and environmental health. The report was titled “Scrapping the Hi-Tech Myth: Computer Waste in India” and brought to fore very interesting data in public domain which catalyzed the interest of many citizens and professionals.

Since then, we have been actively campaigning on the issue of safe management of E-waste in India through various researches, reports and awareness building exercises. Toxics Link has been very actively involved in pushing the national government for a separate Rule on E-waste, which finally saw success with the issuance of E-waste Management and Handling Rules, 2011.

CURRENT INTERVENTIONS ON E-WASTE

Research

Environment Impact Study: Studies suggest that currently 95% of this waste is being handled in the informal sector. Some of the processes carried out in the informal sector are rudimentary. These processes have been documented in several studies and are indicative of environmental and human health impacts. Toxics Link has currently taken up a study to analyse the environmental impacts of recycling of E waste in informal setting.

Material Flow Study: On ground research has been a key strength of Toxics Link. In the last few years, we have taken up issues of cross contamination. Plastic and its contaminants like Brominated flame retardants was one such issue, where we carried extensive field research to understand the plastic recycling market and the risks of contaminating the entire plastic chain. Lab analysis on recycled plastic material was also carried out to check the contamination and the concentration. Currently we are engaged in studying how leaded glass from E-waste may be contaminating the entire glass recycling chain.

South Asia Study: Developing countries in South Asia are struggling to deal with waste issues and E-waste is now an emerging issue in all countries in the region. The report will compile the current status and the existing work on the issue in individual countries.

Implementation:

Informal Sector Formalization: The new Rules on E-waste will come into effect in May 2012 and will make it mandatory for users to dispose off their e-waste to formal recyclers. This may result in loss of livelihood for the existing informal e-waste recyclers or they may also pose as competition to the upcoming formal recyclers. To address some of these concerns, Toxics Link has joined hands with GIZ, MAIT and Adelphi. The four city project, supported by European Union, is aimed at formalizing the informal sector and to establish a clean E-waste recycling channel involving them. Toxics Link is implementing the project in Kolkata.

E-waste Collection Bins in Kolkata: Fourteen (14) bins for collection of e-waste have been placed in important public locations and Government offices for maximum visibility and impact. The aim behind putting up these bins is to create awareness among the common public regarding e-waste and to also give them an opportunity to dispose of it in a responsible manner.
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Awareness:

School Awareness Programme: Toxics Link, in association with Nokia, is organizing a country wide school awareness programme on E-waste and merits of recycling. Around 1100 schools have already been covered in 9 states.
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Public Awareness Campaigns: Lack of awareness among different stakeholders has been a key bottleneck in safe management of E-waste. We have been making all efforts to reach out to all stakeholders, including general public. We have produced couple of short films and also many information materials targeted at students, professionals, Government etc.

As an ongoing activity, we continue to sensitize general public through these materials as well as holding workshops.