E waste_management_module 4.pptx_22_scheme_VTU

E-waste Handling:
Characterization & classification, Packaging and Labelling, Transportation, storage Safety in Handling-Precautionary Principles

1. E-Waste Handling Module 4

2. E-waste handling: E-waste handling involves the environmentally sound process of collecting, storing, transporting, treating, and disposing of electronic waste like old phones and computers to prevent harm from toxic materials and to recover valuable components for reuse . Key methods include the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" hierarchy, with reuse being the most beneficial, followed by repair, dismantling, and, as a last resort, disposal in landfills or incineration. Proper e-waste management requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and consumers to implement effective collection schemes and recycling programs

3. Handling E-Waste: Proper handling involves treating e-waste according to its classification and characterization: Hazardous Waste: Requires specialized treatment and disposal to prevent environmental contamination. Non-Hazardous Waste: Focuses on recovering valuable materials, reducing waste volume, and safely disposing of the remaining components. Recycling: Involves dismantling e-waste to extract valuable metals and other materials, while also managing the safe disposal of toxic parts.

4. E-waste packaging and labeling: guidelines focus on clear communication for proper handling and disposal, often involving the "crossed-out wheeled bin" symbol to indicate a product contains e-waste and should not be mixed with general trash . Proper packaging, using materials like cardboard and shrink-wrap to secure items on pallets, is crucial to prevent safety hazards and optimize transportation

5. Packaging Guidelines Prevent Damage and Safety Hazards: Use appropriate packaging, such as boxes, to contain broken e-waste items and prevent them from posing a safety hazard during handling and transport. Optimize Transportation: For palletizing, place boxes on pallets, and for items like monitors, pack them evenly, separating layers with cardboard. Do not stack pallets higher than four feet. Secure the Load: Use sufficient shrink-wrap to secure items to the pallet and prevent shifting or collapsing during transport. Environmentally Sound Practices: Aim to use recyclable packaging materials, as indicated on the product's labels.

6. Labeling Guidelines The "Crossed-Out Wheeled Bin" Symbol: This symbol should be visibly, legibly, and indelibly marked on the product or its user documentation to signal that it is e-waste and must not be disposed of with household waste. Chemical Symbols (for Batteries): If a battery or battery pack contains lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), or cadmium (Cd), it must be marked with the respective chemical symbol. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Information: For certain types of products, the packaging may require additional information such as the producer's name and registration certificate number, especially for packaging under the Plastic Waste Management Rules.

7. Brochure or QR Code Inclusion: The required EPR information can be included in product brochures or via a scannable barcode or QR code printed on the packaging. Transparency: The information provided should be clear and legible, ensuring consumers and handlers understand the product's e-waste status and the need for responsible disposal.

8. E-waste transportation guidelines: mandate using trained personnel and authorized transporters, employing a GPS-equipped vehicle with a manifest system, securing e-waste in labeled, spill-proof containers, carrying a first-aid kit and spill control equipment, and obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) for inter-state transport . Drivers must have a valid license and training for emergency handling, and vehicles must have spill prevention features and be dedicated to waste transport.

9. Vehicle and Documentation: GPS-Equipped Vehicles: Transporters must use vehicles with GPS to monitor the e-waste’s location and movement. Dedicated Vehicles: Trucks should be dedicated to transporting e-waste and not used for other purposes. Spill Prevention: Vehicles should be designed to prevent spillage during transit and include features like roll-on/roll-off covers. E-Waste Manifest: A manifest system, often in the form of Form-6, must be used by the sender to provide details of the e-waste during transport. Documentation: The manifest, toll receipts, and photos of loading/unloading sites with the generator's nameboard must be maintained and submitted

10. Personnel and Safety: 1. Trained Personnel: Only trained personnel should handle e-waste. 2. Authorized Transporters: E-waste must be transported by authorized transporters. Driver Requirements: Drivers must possess a valid license for heavy vehicles, have at least five years of experience, and be trained in emergency handling. 3. Safety Equipment: Each vehicle must carry a first-aid kit, spill control equipment, and a fire extinguisher. Handling and Storage: Secure Storage: E-waste should be stored in securely labeled containers or storage areas to prevent damage and contamination. Protective Equipment: Personnel must use personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling e-waste.

11. Regulatory Compliance: Authorization: Obtain necessary authorization for handling e-waste from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). No Objection Certificate (NOC): For transportation to a facility in a different state, an NOC is required from the origin state's SPCB and an intimation to the states of transit. Accident Reporting: In case of an accident during transportation, the transporter must immediately inform the concerned SPCB via telephone and email.

12. E-waste handling precautionary principles: F ocus on minimizing hazardous waste generation through the " 3Rs " (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), promoting responsible collection and treatment by certified entities, designing durable and repairable products, and implementing effective legislation and worker protections . Key principles include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), establishing efficient infrastructure, ensuring worker safety, and utilizing community-based initiatives to manage e-waste responsibly The 3Rs Hierarchy Reduce: The most effective way to manage e-waste is to generate less of it. This involves promoting a "buy less, use longer" mentality and manufacturers focusing on eco-design to create durable, repairable, and modular products that extend their lifespan. Reuse: Extending the life of electronic devices by refurbishing, repurposing, or donating them is a sustainable approach that reduces the need for new products. Recycle: Efficient recycling systems are crucial for recovering valuable materials and minimizing the environmental impact of e-waste.

13. Worker and Community Protection Protect Workers: Implement measures and training for workers involved in e-waste handling to protect them from exposure to hazardous substances and gases. Educate the Public: Educate consumers about safe e-waste handling and encourage participation in responsible disposal programs. Prevent Exposure: Ensure that children and pregnant women are not exposed to e-waste sites and take precautions to prevent exposure in communities where e-waste recycling activities occur.

14. Regulatory and Policy Measures Establish Legal Frameworks: Develop clear legal frameworks for e-waste collection and recycling, and enforce these regulations for all stakeholders. Strengthen Monitoring and Compliance: Implement monitoring and compliance mechanisms to ensure a level playing field and adherence to standards. Invest in Infrastructure: Create favorable conditions for experienced recyclers to bring the necessary technical expertise and establish robust e-waste treatment infrastructure.

15. Responsible Disposal and Treatment 1. Seek Authorized Entities: Utilize certified e-waste recyclers and official collection centers that adhere to environmentally sound practices and data security standards. 2. Implement Producer Responsibility : Encourage Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) and enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to ensure manufacturers finance and oversee the responsible collection and recycling of e-waste. 3. Leverage Community Initiatives: Participate in community-level collection drives and partner with local organizations to raise awareness and promote responsible e-waste disposal