India 2018

Environment 207
export; separate schedule has been introduced which comprises waste such as
metal scrap, paper waste and various categories of electrical and electronic
equipments for re-use purpose exempted from the need of obtaining Ministry's
permission; the list of waste prohibited for import has been revised by inclusion
of following items: waste edible fats and oils of animals or vegetable origin,
household waste, critical care medical equipment, solid plastic wastes, other
chemical wastes especially in solvent form.
e-Waste Management
The e-waste rules apply to e-waste generated from IT and telecommunication
equipment and consumer electrical and electronics namely television sets
(including LCD & LED), refrigerators, washing machines and air-conditioners.
These rules empower the concerned state agencies to control, supervise and
regulate relevant activities connected with e-waste management such as
collection, segregation, dismantling and recycling. Producers are required to
set up collection systems and meet the cost involved in the environmentally
sound management of e-waste generated from the 'end of life' of their own
products. Besides, threshold limits, which are accepted globally have been
prescribed for six hazardous substances used in manufacture of electrical and
electronics components. Producers are expected to achieve reduction in use of
the hazardous substances (RoHS) to the prescribed limit. These rules are the
main instrument to ensure environmentally sound management of e-Waste.
Solid Waste Management
Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
The Ministry revised the rules for management of solid waste in the municipal
areas after 16 years. The new rules are now applicable beyond municipal areas
and extend to urban agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial
townships, areas under the control of Indian Railways, airports, airbase, port
and harbour, defence establishments, special economic zones, state and central
government organizations, places of pilgrimage, religious and historical
importance. The segregation of waste at source has been mandated.
Responsibilities of generators have been fixed for segregation of waste in to
three streams, wet (biodegradable), dry (plastic, paper, metal, wood, etc.) and
domestic hazardous wastes (diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning
agents, mosquito repellents, etc.) The Rules provide ways for integration of waste
pickers/rag pickers. The Rules mandate local bodies to frame their bye-laws to
impose 'User Fee', to be paid by the generator to waste collector and for 'Spot
Fine' for littering and non-segregation. The concept of partnership as envisaged
under Swachh Bharat has been introduced viz., bulk and institutional generators,
market associations, event organizers and hotels and restaurants have been
directly made responsible for waste segregation and management in partnership
with local bodies. All resident welfare and market associations, gated
communities and institution with an area >5,000 sq.m. new townships and group