Question : DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

(a) whether the Government has notified the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Trans boundary Movement) Rule, 2008 and e-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 to make producers responsible for disposal of hazardous waste including e-waste in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether these rules are not generally being followed in the country;

(d) if so, the number of the cases of violation of above rules detected during the last three years and the current year along with the action taken against the violators in each case; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for strict compliance of the rules?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) to (e) The Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules 2008 for proper management and handling of hazardous wastes in the country. As per these Rules, the occupier is responsible for safe and environmentally sound handling and disposal of the hazardous waste generated in his establishment. The E- Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 were notified on 12th May 2011 and have come in to effect from 1st May 2012. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility has been enshrined in these rules. Under this, the producers are responsible for collection of e-waste generated from the end of life of their products by setting up collection centers or take back systems either individually or collectively. As per these rules, collection centers are required to obtain authorization from the concerned Pollution Control Boards /Committees. Similarly, dismantlers and recyclers are required to obtain authorization and registration from Pollution Control Boards /Committees concerned. E-waste generated is required to be sent to authorized and registered recyclers for environmentally sound disposal.

The Pollution Control Boards/Committees can take action as per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) in case of any violation.