Overview

The electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy (NEP) and to address sustainable development concerns, there is a need to facilitate the recovery and / or reuse of useful materials from waste generated from a process and / or from the use of any material thereby, reducing the wastes destined for final disposal and to ensure the environmentally sound management of all materials.

Govt. of India vide notification dated May 12, 2011 has announced E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 (“Rules”). According to these Rules, the consumer now has the legal responsibility to dispose of the waste electrical and electronic equipment (popularly known as “WEEE”) in the prescribed manner and not by just throwing it into a dustbin or giving/selling it to kabadi/ scrap dealer. This will control environmental pollution. Recycling of Electronic products is one of the best ways for Heera Communications and its consumers to help contribute to sustainable development, and demonstrate that they are committed to being socially responsible. Recycling ensures that all the valuable and scarce raw materials used in electronic equipment get re-used in the manufacturing of new products. In this way, the plastics, metals, glass etc. which are recovered get a second life and we, as consumers and citizens, reap the benefit of using and conserving our finite natural resources. Recycling helps keep the price of raw materials down, which in turn, lowers the costs of the final product, making it cheaper for all consumers to purchase goods.

‘E-waste’ means waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). For more details, you can refer to Schedule-1 of E-Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011 available on http://moef.nic.in/ – How E-waste needs to be managed? The Rules talk about Environmentally Sound Management of E-Waste which implies taking all steps required to ensure that e-waste is managed in a manner which shall protect health and environment against any adverse effects, which may result from hazardous substance contained in such wastes.

Improper handling, accidental breakage damage and improper recycling of the end of life product has the following consequences: If batteries are not properly disposed of, it can cause harm to human health or the environment. Placing of batteries or devices on or in heating devices, such as microwave ovens, stoves, or radiators and improper disposal of batteries may lead to explosion. If the battery terminals are in contact with metal objects, it may cause a fire.

E-waste is considered dangerous, as some electronic products contain materials that are hazardous in nature, depending on their condition and density. If they are not properly disposed of, they can seep lead and other harmful substances into soil and groundwater. Govt. of India vide notification dated May 12, 2011 has announced E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 (“Rules”). For more details visit http://moef.nic.in

According to these Rules, the consumer also now has a legal responsibility to dispose of the waste electrical and electronic equipment (popularly known as “WEEE”) in the prescribed manner and not by just throwing it into an ordinary dustbin or giving / selling it to any local scrap dealer. Proper disposal of E-Waste will help in reducing environmental pollution.

Do’s:

Always drop your used electronic products, batteries, and packaging materials after the end of their life in nearest collection point. Separate the packaging material according to responsible waste disposal options and sorting for recycling. The battery can easily be removed from the product for recycling.

Dont’s:

Do not give the product to Kabadi / Scrap dealer. Never dump E-waste in garbage bins. Do not dispose of your product at municipal waste bins or rooms. Do not throw used batteries into household waste.