E-WASTE AND BIOMEDICAL WASTE

E-WASTE (ELECTRONIC WASTE)
Definition:
E-waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) such as computers, mobiles, TVs, refrigerators, ACs, wires, CFLs, etc. It is the fastest‑growing waste stream globally.

Types of E‑Waste:
• White Goods – household appliances (fridges, washing machines, microwaves)
• Brown Goods – TVs, cameras, audio equipment
• Grey Goods – computers, printers, scanners (most toxic category)

Toxic Components:
• Lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium present mainly in grey goods
• Refrigerators/ACs contain CFCs/HCFCs → Ozone depletion + climate change

Global E‑Waste Scenario:
• 2019 global output: 53.6 million tonnes (Mt)
• Expected by 2030: 74.7 Mt
• Only 17.4% is formally recycled
• Asia produces most e‑waste: 24.9 Mt
• India: 5th largest producer (~2 Mt annually)
• 82% of e‑waste generated by households, 18% by corporates/government
• Estimated raw material value in global e‑waste: USD 57 billion

Health & Environmental Impacts:
• Heavy metals cause neurological, kidney, reproductive disorders
• Burning wires releases dioxins → carcinogenic
• Soil/water contamination near dumpsites
• WHO report “Children and Digital Dumpsites (2021)” → 18 million children at health risk near e‑waste sites

E‑WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES, 2016 (Amended 2018)
Key Provisions:
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
• EPR Targets:
  – 10% collection (2017–18) → increases by 10% yearly → 70% from 2023 onwards
• Includes CFLs and mercury‑containing lamps
• Producers may appoint Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs)
• Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) mandatory
• Dismantlers/Recyclers require CPCB authorization
• State governments responsible for worker safety & skill training

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CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION (C&D) WASTE
• Governed by C&D Waste Management Rules, 2016
• Aim: promote recycling and prevent illegal dumping

Requirements:
• Mandatory segregation into:
  – Concrete
  – Soil
  – Steel, wood, plastics
  – Bricks and mortar
• Deposit waste at authorized collection centres
• Municipal bodies must ensure scientific disposal
• SPCB authorization compulsory for processing plants
• BIS, IRC assigned to set standards for recycled materials
• Land department must allocate land for C&D facilities

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BIOMEDICAL WASTE (BMW)
Definition:
Biomedical waste is any waste generated during diagnosis, treatment, immunization, research, or production/testing of biologicals.

Sources:
• Hospitals, labs, clinics, blood banks, mortuaries
• Research institutions, biotech labs
• Veterinary hospitals
• Butcheries & animal research units

BMW in India:
• 2018 generation: 550 tonnes/day
• Expected by 2022: ~775 tonnes/day
• 200 Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) – insufficient for 750 districts
• ~600 TPD generated; ~528 TPD treated → remaining untreated daily

Environmental & Health Risks:
• Spread of infections (HIV, hepatitis)
• Injuries from sharps
• Reuse of disposables by illegal operators
• Air, water and soil pollution from improper burning/dumping

Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Amended 2018 & 2019)
Key Provisions:
• Applicable to all waste from healthcare activities, blood donation/vaccination camps
• Mandatory pre‑treatment (WHO/NACO guidelines)
• Segregation into 4 categories (instead of earlier 10)

Color‑Coded Categorization:
• Yellow – human/animal anatomical waste, soiled waste, expired medicines, lab cultures
• Red – tubing, syringes (without needles), IV sets, catheters, urine bags
• White (Translucent) – sharps (needles, scalpels)
• Blue – glassware, metallic implants

Obligations of Healthcare Facilities:
• Maintain daily BMW register
• Pre‑treat lab/microbiological waste
• Phase out chlorinated plastics
• Ensure handover to CBWTF
• Install captive treatment facility if CBWTF unavailable

BMW Disposal System:
• Primary segregation at bedside
• Collection by CBWTF
• Treated via:
  – Incineration
  – Autoclave
  – Microwave
  – Shredding
• Residue disposed in secured landfills

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INDUSTRIAL CATEGORIZATION – RED, ORANGE, GREEN, WHITE
Based on Pollution Index (PI) scored 0–100.

• Red Category – PI ≥ 60 (highly polluting)
  Ex: Hazardous chemical storage, sugar industries, pharma, automobile manufacturing

• Orange Category – PI 41–59 (moderately polluting)

• Green Category – PI 21–40 (low pollution)

• White Category – PI ≤ 20 (non‑polluting)
  – No Environmental Clearance required
  – No Consent under Water/Air Acts
  Ex: Solar power, chalk making, cotton knitting, fly‑ash bricks, medical products

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WASTE‑TO‑ENERGY (W2E) PLANTS
Definition:
Facilities that convert MSW into energy through burning or processing.

Two Types:
• Direct firing of all MSW
• RDF (Refuse‑Derived Fuel) based

Advantages:
• Reduces volume of waste
• Energy generation
• Reduces landfill pressure
• Prevents landfill fires
• Can be profitable with right technology

Constraints:
• Imported technology expensive
• Waste not segregated → plant breakdown
• Lack of R&D suited for India
• Financial limitations of municipal bodies
• Pollution concerns if not properly maintained
 

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Subject: Environment

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