Overviewof E-waste Recycling Authorisation

Over the last few decades, the world has seen a sudden surge in technology and the use of innovative gadgets that can be and are used for almost everything. But with the inundation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) in the market, there is also an increase in the new form of waste, which is harmful to both environment and human health. Made of toxic metals, this form of waste is termed E-waste. In India, e-waste is defined as Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), completely or in part, dejected as waste by consumers (individual or bulk) and rejected from manufacturing, refurbishment and repair processes under E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016. The rule also mandates obtaining anE-waste Recycling Authorisationfor setting up business in the country.

According to the latest reports by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India produced around 7.71 lakh tonnes in 2018-19, which increased to 10.14 lakh in 2019-20, showing an increase of about 31%.Any Producer/Importer or Brand Owner (PIBO) can apply for E-waste Recycling Authorisation.

Eligibility for getting E-waste Recycling Authorisation

One must acquire E-waste Recycling Authorisation to set up e-waste recycling units.To obtain the authorisation, certain conditions are needed to be fulfilled: -

1. Before setting up any plant or unit, the manufacturer has to ensure that there is sufficient land and space. The space should be enough for setting up operations and for workers to work comfortably.
2. A negotiated agreement with the operator of TSDF (Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility).
3. The manufacturer also requires licenses, including ISO Certificate, NOC from SPCB and GST Registration.

Documents required for acquiring E-waste Recycling Authorisation

When submitting E-waste recycling plant authorisation, certain documents have to be attached along with it. The list of documents is as follows -

• Manufacturer’sAadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• GST Certificate
• Rent/Lease/Proof of ownership of the site
• Electricity Bill

Also, if the enterprise is Pvt Ltd/Public Ltd Company, in addition to the list mentioned above, thefollowing documents must be attached -

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum of Association
• Company’s PAN Card

Board Declaration for Authorised Signator

Procedure for acquiring E-waste Recycling Authorisation

E-Waste Management Act, 2016 regulates the procedure for obtaining E-Waste Recycling Authorisation from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). The process involves applying, reviewing the application and granting the license.

E-waste Recycling Process

E-waste recycling refers to reprocessing any electronic and electrical equipment that has reached its end and is of no further use. This recycling process involves a complicated method which has a lot of possibility of creating more pollution if not managed properly. As e-waste has an amalgamation of many materials, not all the components can be recycled. However, some of the materials that can be recycled are -

• Plastic - Plastic extracted is then sent to a recycling plant to make granules or pallets, which are then sold as raw material.
• Metal - Metal which isextracted during the recycling process can be used to manufacture EEE.
• Glass and Circuit Boards – Since these boards contain precious metals like gold, silver, palladium, etc., these are sent to specialised companies or units for extraction.

Overall, the e-waste recycling process mainly involves seven steps:-

Collection and Transporting 

The first and foremost step, even before starting the recycling business, is to collect the e-waste from consumers. This is done by establishing take-back booths and collection centres or making arrangements with local collectors to increase reachability.

Sorting 

While collecting e-waste is an important step, the recycling process starts with sorting all the collected waste.

Dismantling

After sorting all the waste, the next step involves manual dismantling. This step requires physical labour as the dismantled material is divided into two categories, one being waste which can be recycled, while other category is of reused material.

Process for reducing large sizes 

The waste which cannot be further dismantled is shredded along with other dismantled waste.

Process of reducing to the small size

After shredding the waste to a considerable size, the finer e-waste particles are spread evenly on the conveyer belt. These are then broken down further.

Magnetic separation 

The magnetic materials from e-waste are then separated through a giant magnet. These materials can contain iron.

Separation of non-metallic and metallic components 

After removing magnetic materials, waste recycling further proceeds to separate metallic and non-metallic elements. At this time, the e-waste is only left with non-metallic particles.

Separation through the water

The plastic content is separated from the glass with water at the last stage of the recycling process. Afterthis, the material retrieved is resold for reuse.

Benefits of E-waste Recycling

E-waste recycling is beneficial for business owners to build a profitable market and for economic gains, and for the general public and the state in many ways.This is because e-waste recycling contributes to Environmental Protection by properly managing one of the most toxic wastes containing poisonous metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. Along with this, the e-waste recycling unit also develops a new arena which helps in economic development by creating more job opportunities for people.

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