Electronic goods

The National Capital Region produces about 100,000-lakh tonnes of e-waste annually, industry estimates say.

Most of this ends up with scrap dealers who dismantle even hazardous products without proper care, leading to toxic materials mixing with soil and air. Experts say this leads to dangerous levels of environmental pollution that pose serious health hazard to humans and animals.

‘E-waste’ – used to describe any discarded device with an electric cord or battery – include items such as refrigerators, televisions, computers, mobile phones and even USB cables. Across India, there are about 178 recyclers of e-waste who can be engaged by the manufacturers and dealers to pick up used products from customers’ homes. In Delhi, there are around 37 e-waste collection centres.

A CPCB official said online shopping sites such as Amazon have also been granted the EPR authorisation.

“Many people buy electronics online so it made sense to get them on board for this initiative,” the official said.

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the development.

“We have registered with the CPCB for EPR authorisation for our devices... we will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders such as our brand partners and regulators as well as sellers to understand this better,” the spokesperson added.

Amit Gujral, chief marketing officer at LG India, said the company has plans to open collection centres and also offer free collection of used goods from custom-