Mithila Mehta, December 8, 2008
The Economic Times (Delhi edition)
Cellphone? Check. Laptop? Check. Top of the line camera? Check. Kitchen fully equipped with a microwave, oven, mixer, juicer, and countless other gadgets? Check. Welcome to the 21st century, where technology is an essential and indelible part of our lives. But when the cell phone grows old and the laptop starts malfunctioning, they are effortlessly discarded and replaced. 'E-waste' is the logical outcome of this use-and-dispose equation.
e-waste unraveled:
"E-waste refers to electronic and electrical waste. It comprises discarded electronic devices and components," explains MR Punja, co-convener of the Clean-sweep Forum that is currently spearheading an awareness campaign in the city. Mumbai is a primary culprit in generation of ewaste. As per the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the city produces some 12,000 tonnes of e-waste annually- a shocking and largely unreported statistic. The problem is compounded by the fact that e-waste from other countries are being imported by India.
"Recycling, say a computer, costs $20 in the USA but only $2 in India," says Punja, explaining why the country has become a major illegal dumping hub.
A dangerous tale:
E-waste poses some serious heath hazards. "At direct risk are the recyclers in the informal sector who deal with this waste on a daily basis," reveals Sham Lal Goyal, Chairman of the MPCB. Materials like lead found in circuit boards and monitors damage the nervous system, while Cadmium from chip resistors can induce cancer. "Once these hazardous materials percolate the environment and contaminate the soil, air and water, we are looking at disaster," warns Goyal.
On the anvil:
However, the roadblocks in overcoming this new-age pollution form are many. "Collection of e-waste is totally in the unorganised sector, which makes it difficult to monitor," admits MGCM Commissioner Jairaj Phatak. For this reason, there are grand plans to convert collection of e-waste into an organized process. At present, an organization called Ecoreco operates the only e-waste accumulating truck in Mumbai. Although there is only one on the streets, they are set to become a more common feature on the cityscape in the days to come. "The truck's unique design includes an inbuilt metallic shredder," explains BK Soni, Managing Director of Ecoreco.
There is also a buzz about a dedicated e-waste recycling plant that will be built in the country-The first of its kind. The plant is a private undertaking, and will be built on a 25 crore budget. "Establishing a public-private partnership is the best way of tackling this problem, due to the enormous capital and technology required," says Phatak.
The next time you decide to replace your television or buy a better refrigerator, do spare a thought for the far-reaching environmental effects of your actions.
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