Sri Vijaya Puram, May 5: It is brought to the knowledge of all concerned i.e., residents, institutions, bulk consumers, government departments, private organisations and commercial establishments and the firms dealing with electronic wastes, in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands that electronic waste (e-waste) generated & managed in their premises, shall be managed strictly in accordance with the provisions of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, accessed at https://cpcb.nic.in/uploads/Projects/E-Waste/e-waste_rules_2022.pdf or scanning the QR Code.
All stakeholders have been directed to ensure the following:
1. Authorized Handling and Disposal: All e-waste of any kind as defined under the rules, generated shall be collected & channelised only through approved & authorised channels and transported to authorized treatment, storage, and disposal facilities located anywhere in India.
2. Manifest System & NOC Requirement: Transportation of e-waste shall be carried out strictly under the manifest system as prescribed under the Rules to ensure transparency and traceability. Prior No Objection Certificate (NOC) from ANPCC is mandatory for inter-State transportation of e-waste.
3. Engagement with Authorized Entities: Bulk consumers, institutions, and businesses shall engage only with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)-compliant registered recyclers, and authorized collection agencies, duly authorised by MoEF&CC & CPCB. Engagement with unregistered or unauthorized handlers/service providers is strictly prohibited.
4. Prohibition of Informal Handling: Informal collection, dismantling, refurbishing, or recycling of e-waste is strictly prohibited and shall attract action under applicable environmental laws.
5. Mandatory Registration & Compliance: All manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers are required to register on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) EPR Portal at https://eprewaste.cpcb.gov.in and comply with their assigned annual targets for e-waste collection and environmentally sound recycling.
6. Public Participation: The general public is encouraged to report any instances of illegal e-waste handling, processing, or disposal to the ANPCC for appropriate action by emailing at dstpcc-andamans@and.nic.in.
Improper handling of e-waste can result in serious environmental and public health impacts, including soil contamination, air pollution, and damage to fragile aquatic ecosystems. All stakeholders are therefore urged to ensure strict compliance with the above provisions. This issues in the interest of environmental protection and sustainable management of e-waste in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.