Chennai, capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is struggling with the enforcement of a rule from the E-Waste (Managing and Handling) Rules, 2011, that requires all purchased electronic devices to be picked up by the producer or deposited in an authorized recycler for disposal when the time comes. The problem lies in finding an authorized recycler.
Large e-waste recyclers are finding it difficult to acquire licenses, while smaller recyclers gain authorization fairly quickly. As a major hub for electronic and electrical manufacturing, Chennai generates nearly 29,000 tons of e-waste yearly; therefore, it needs the larger recycling facilities to be operational. Experts say the delay is a result of thorough investigations into the facilities’ environmental impact.
In the meantime, some laptop and cellphone companies have initiated “take-back” programs which offer discounts towards the purchase of a new battery with the disposal of the old one at one of the companies’ disposal units or service centers. Critics of these recycling strategies, however, question whether they are truly effective. They claim the units are not checked frequently enough to affect measurable results.
Though India is still ironing out the kinks in their e-waste recycling system, we are happy to offer the Bay Area convenient and environmentally friendly e-waste recycling.
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3529252.ece