In a noble initiative, a Delhi based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Toxics Link, has installed bins in the City’s St Paul School as part of a pilot project to collect e wastes. This is the first of its kind project in India, which has been initiated at a non-commercial level.
The NGO which works to eliminate toxic wastes plans to execute it in two stages. The Programme Coordinator of NGO, Priti Mahesh, says, “This is the first stage of two stage process, which we will expand further to markets and other popular places.”
India generates 400,000 tonnes of e-waste, which is increasing at the rate of 15 percent per annum. Managing them is a tough task since the country doesn’t have proper regulation.
But, Toxics Link plans to engage government establishments like municipalities and government run schools and organisations as well. “This initiative has created awareness among people and authorities are noticing it. There have been talks of formulating proper codes to regulate e wastes, lately,” says Mahesh.
Recently, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a central government’s entity, recognised 12 organisations nationwide which are allowed to collect and recycle e wastes.
One of them, Earthsense, which is operating plants all over the country to collect and recycle e wastes, in collaboration with Toxics Link.
“Earthsense collects the e waste from different e waste bins and reuse or recycle them,” says Spokesperson of Earthsense, S. John Robert. “Proper norms and safety guidelines, set by CPCB, are followed here. We have latest recycling facilities that confirm to international standards,” he adds.
However, Robert feels awareness among populace is needed. “Common people are not coming to dispose off their e wastes. Only those are coming who are very much aware of the repercussions of this waste.”
Multinational giants like Nokia have initiatives to collect used items but that is limited to mostly cellular phones. Mahesh says, “Earlier initiatives to collects e wastes were mainly limited to commercial sectors. No one was providing service to common people.”
Mahesh asserts the need for proper campaigning at ground level. “To reach the general population we have started with schools, which is a great medium to attract the attention of masses.” She adds further.
It has been reported the Delhi Govt has ordered Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to install bins before the upcoming Commonwealth Games, at strategic locations like markets and government schools which is easily accessible to people.
