General overview of Computer Recycling Business

In today's tech-savvy world, the computer has made our lives much more accessible and productive. The ‘intelligent machine’ became popular during the late 80s to the early 90s, and since then, there has been no looking back. Most people know about and have used computers, mainly thanks to the pandemic scenario. Thus, there is a massive demand for computers in the country. Many computer companies have installed their manufacturing units in India to fulfil the demand. Another aspect of fulfilling this demand is setting up of computer recycling business in India.

It must be noted that most computer owners belong to the public, government, or private industry sectors. Therefore, they prefer replacing an old computer with a new one instead of upgrading it. This, in turn, adds up to the vast heaps of e-waste. Surprisingly, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, only 15-20% of e-waste is recycled. On the other hand, the rest of these discarded electronic items lands up in incinerators and landfills.

That said, by starting a computer recycling business, one can make money and help the environment become clutter and toxic-free. One of the main objectives of starting this business is to generate an opportunity to transform e-waste into industrially and socially valuable materials like plastics, metals, glass, etc. However, this must be done by incorporating practical and pocket-friendly technologies.

Need of the computer recycling business

As mentioned above, e-waste is generated in huge quantities. Therefore, it is necessary to use discarded items efficiently. Starting a computer recycling business is the perfect option, as discarded PCshave toxic and non-biodegradable components. Thus, leaving them untreated results in environmental degradation. To combat the problem, it is a wise idea to try and recycle them for further usage. It is evident that discarded electronic items like computers are still usable and can be sold reasonably even after recycling.

Which computer parts can be recycled?

Before starting the computer recycling business, one must know the specific parts that can be recycled and to what level. The following section elaborates on the same.

• Materials like silica, tin, glass, fibre, plastic, etc., are present in a computer. These are easily recyclable.
• Precious metals like copper, gold, palladium, lead, aluminium, etc., can also be extracted from the computer for recycling.
• Besides, parts that work efficiently can be considered for recycling. These can be used as spare parts or assembled to form a new computer.
• Small accessories can also be extracted and used to assemble a new machine.
• Under the computer recycling business, many accessories can be sold at reasonable prices only after cleaning, polishing and repairing.

What are some essential requirements for the recycling business?

Indeed, starting any business needs some basic requirements. The same is the case with the computer recycling business. Here are the unavoidable requirements in this case -

Experienced workforce - Trained technicians, experts, engineers, small machines, etc.

Space for recycling–Whether rented, leased or owned, one requires enough space to start the business.

Equipment - Different equipment is required for recycling accessories.

Infrastructure – A good infrastructure is inevitable for a computer recycling business. The infrastructure can also work as a treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF). Also, the infrastructure must be equipped with the latest technology, gadgets, machines, tools, power connections, equipment, etc.

Discarded Computers - To recycle a computer, you need one that is discarded or can be refurbished. To get those discarded computers, the owner must contact scrap collectors who buy e-waste, especially discarded computers. Additionally, you can team up with individuals and businesses for the same.

Experts and Technicians–To carry out the task of recycling, one must hire engineers, experts and technicians. Besides, you need professional help to obtain all the licenses and complete the documentation required to comply with the environmental norms.

Sound transport management–Professionals are again required for proper transportation of computers to/from the facility.

Licenses and documents required for setting up a computer recycling business

Consent Certificate from Pollution Control Committee/State Pollution Control Board

Documents required for Consent Certificates, i.e., Consent to Establish (CTE)and Consent to Operate (CTO)

• Details on the DG set
• The layout designs
• Information regarding the effluent sewage treatment and emissions sources
• Analysis report about hazardous wastes, solid waste, effluent and fuel gases
• A sheet describing the process flow
• Quality report of the air effluents
• Proof of the consent fee

ISO Certificate

GST Registration

Documents required are -

• PAN card
• Incorporation certificate authorised by MCA
• AOA
• MOA
• Applicant’s Aadhaar card
• Bank details
• Address proof

Authorisation under E-waste Rules 2016

While setting up the computer recycling business, an application for authorisation must be submitted to the SPCB/PCC.

Documents required for the e-waste authorisation application are as follows -

• PAN card of the recycler
• Aadhaar card of the recycler
• GST certificate
• Electricity bill
• Rent agreement/proof of ownership/lease agreement of the site
• Factory License
• CIN (Certificate of Incorporation)
• MOA (Memorandum of Association)
• PAN card of the company
• Board Declaration for authorised signatory

Approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)for the import of computer scrap

Udyog Aadhaar MSME

Documents required for Udyog Aadhaar MSME Registration are as follows

• The official name of the applicant
• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• The NIC Code
• The social category of the applicant
• Account details

Company License

Documents required for company license are -

• PAN Card
• Residential proof
• Address proof
• GST Registration Certificate
• AOA (Article of Association)
• MOA (Memorandum of Association)

Complete the process to obtain e-waste authorisation for setting up a computer recycling business.

To set up a computer recycling business, it must obtain e-waste recycling authorisation from PCC/SPCB. The process of the same is explained below

Post compliances are to be followed by the owners of the computer recycling business

After receiving the authorisation from PCC/SPCB, owners/recyclers involved in the computer recycling business must comply with specific conditions like: -

• Recyclers must fill out Form-6 regarding the e-waste manifest.
• Submit a copy of the destruction certificate given to recyclers
• Submit dully filled Form-2
• Recyclers are required to
• Owners must provide authorisation for the disposal of Hazardous and other wastes.
• Recyclers must provide annual returns in Form 3 to the respective PCC/SPCB

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