A recent MAIT-GTZ study points out that India generates close to four lakh metric tonnes of e-waste annually
With the IT and Telecom sector booming in India, we are all aware of the innumerable global doors that we are opening for our country's development each day. However, amidst all the success, we are forgetting the damage that we are causing to the environment. A recent Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology (MAIT) - GTZ study points out that India generates close to four lakh metric tonnes of e-waste annually, further, it is estimated that e-waste generated in India will touch four lakh seventy thousand metric tons by 2011.
The study further said that an additional fifty thousand metric tonnes is illegally imported into the country. However, only nineteen thousand metric tonnes of this is recycled due to high refurbishing and reuse of electronics products in the country and also due to poor recycling infrastructure. Currently e-waste recycling, especially processing, remains concentrated in the informal sector, which due to poor processing technologies and very small capacities, contributes significantly to pollution and environmental degradation.
With Nokia initiating its "Take Back" campaign which aims at spreading awareness about the recycling and re-use of old handsets and accessories, we need many other manufacturers too taking up responsibility of the environment.
Initiatives taken by companies like EcoPhones in the US should also be taken by Indian firms. EcoPhones raises funds via the recycling of cellular phones, ink jet printer cartridges, laptop/notebook computers, iPods, digital cameras and digital video cameras. Apart from encouraging people to give away their old electronic items for recycling, it actually pays you for your contribution. EcoPhones pays up to $300 per phone - and up to $5 per printer cartridge. More than 80% of all electronics that EcoPhones receives are reusable and are therefore tested, reconditioned and sold in the US. Thus, organisations like these not only give a good feeling to the donor, but also leave him with cash on hand.
We do have a number of websites taking initiatives to avoid e-waste accumulation and promote their recycling. The 'e-waste guide' website is available for various countries individually around the world. To see the Indian version, click here. This online guide serves as an information resource on the issues, problems and opportunities created by e-waste, focusing on the present scenario in India. It also serves as a common collaborative work platform for various e-waste initiatives underway across India, with linkages to similar initiatives around the world.
We all love new gizmos and technology. However, it's time to get a bit more responsible about our environment and do our bit for it. What do you say guys? Let us know your take on this.
