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E-waste disposal
Though
some recycling and processing units have come up since then, even a small part
of the problem has not yet been addressed. The rules have made producers and
bulk consumers responsible for the safe disposal of waste material. Electronic
goods can be returned to their manufacturer at the end of their life span. But
most manufacturers have not made arrangements for collection and disposal of
the items. They are also not aware of their responsibilities in this respect.
E-waste, which is generated every day, keeps growing with a million tonnes
piling up in a year. Much of this is collected haphazardly by rag pickers or
are thrown with garbage. These waste ends up in landfills where they
pollute environment. Piles of them are even burnt and this becomes even more
dangerous as toxic fumes are then emitted. Electronic waste contains
elements like cadmium, mercury and barium, which are highly toxic. Some
of them are also radioactive. They also seep into the earth from the
landfills and contaminate underground water. It is not just parts of computers
which form the hazardous waste. Items of common use like TV sets, fridges and
mobile phones also turn into e-waste and they, too, have to be disposed of with
care.
Technological advances and resulting
upgradation result in shorter life spans of electronic goods. The
waste mountain keeps growing. There is also the problem of waste from other
countries, where there are strict rules for disposal, being illegally brought
into the country. State pollution control boards have a major responsibility
in ensuring that electronic waste is safely reprocessed and recycled. But they
are not equipped to do the job. Nor do they put pressure on producers and
consumers to discharge their duties under the rules. Processing of e-waste can
even be a profitable business if it is undertaken safely and scientifically.
There is need to create more awareness among all those involved on every aspect
of the problem and there should be strong penalty for violation of the rules.
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