Setting up Innovative Value Chain for E-Waste Management: E-Safai

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and RLG Systems India Private Limited have joined forces for the implementation of a three-year-long Public Private Partnership Project titled "Setting Up Innovative Value Chain for e-Waste Management" also known as "E-Safai" initiative. The project is being funded through the develoPPP programme that GIZ implements on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The primary objective of this landmark programme is to cultivate awareness regarding safe and sustainable handling of e-waste among various stakeholders, including Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), schools, retailers, and bulk consumers. E-Safai intends to emphasise on the process of refurbishment, dismantling and recycling of e-waste in an environmentally sound manner. To support the cause this workshop was organised to understand the impact of these rules on the industry. The main feature, of these rules, is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The emphasis of the workshop was on highlighting the issues faced in EPR compliance on ground and possible solutions to implement the EPR rule in a more effective manner in e-waste management.

Sharing his insights on the project and workshop, Mr. Gautam Mehra, Senior Advisor, Climate Change and Circular Economy, GIZ India, said: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been working on Compliances for a long time now. Compliance with the EPR policy by the industry will help the channelisation of products that reach the end of life across the recyclers. This will provide more secondary raw materials for manufacturing processes. We need to make sure that we have access to technology that can help us ensure compliance with the producers.

Talking about PRO's perspective on "Process, audit and cost of compliance under EPR", Ms. Radhika Kalia, Managing Director, RLG Systems India, stated: The only way EPR policy can be successful is if all stakeholders understand their responsibility and follow the guidelines. EPR compliance from all stakeholders is crucial for an effective e-waste management model. While Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regulates EPR policy, it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to do their best to contribute to building a sustainable future for the planet.

Sharing "Government perspective on Audit and Cost of compliance under EPR"

Dr B.M.S Reddy, Sr. Environmental Engineer, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, DPCC, said: Over 90% of the waste is collected and processed by the Informal sector. The eco-parks will help channelise the e-waste into Delhi. The technology that has been planned for these eco-parks will also reduce the scope of dependency on other countries for the recovery of material from waste.

CEAMA's Perspective on "Audit and Cost of compliance under EPR", Ms. Ritu Ghosh, Associate Director - Corporate Affairs and CSR, Panasonic India Pvt. Ltd., shared: One of the most significant errors people make while discussing sustainability is ignoring its financial and social aspects. Without economic feasibility, it would be an impossible task to attain sustainable progress. Thus, it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach toward e-waste management; only then we can hope to build a sustainable society.