E-Waste Rules to include CFL and other Mercury containing Lamps
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 in the suppression of the e-waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011.
Announcing the notification of the rules in New Delhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar, said that norms have been made more stringent and reflect the government’s commitment to environmental governance.
The minister pointed out that the E-waste rules will now include Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury containing lamps, as well as other such equipment. He added that for the first time, the Rules will bring the producers under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), along with targets.
He told to the media persons that producers have been made responsible for collection of E-waste and for its exchange. “The bulk consumers must collect the items and hand them over to authorized recyclers”, Javadekar said. The draft E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2015 had been notified for public consultation vide GSR No. 472 (E) dated 10th June, 2015 in the Gazette of India, inviting public objections and suggestions. The Ministry received approximately 584 suggestions/objections from various ministries and departments, State Pollution Control Boards and individuals.