Aims at employment and wealth generation through regulated e-waste regime
Kerala: Reverse Logistics Group (RLG), a leading global service provider of comprehensive reverse logistics solutions, paved a way in the first of its kind by bringing the e-waste to reach the registered recyclers which is a mandatory requirement as per E-waste Management Rules, 2016 by having an association with an electronics waste collection center of Eco Friendly Solutions in the city of Kottayam, Kerala.
Electronic waste (e-waste) typically includes discarded computer monitors, motherboards, mobile phones and chargers, compact discs, headphones, television sets, air conditioners and refrigerators. India is currently the fourth largest producer of e-waste[1] in the world, producing 2 million tons annually[2]. However, only 0.036 million tons of waste was processed[3]. About 95 percent of India’s e-waste is recycled in the informal sector and in a crude manner.
The E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 was notified for the collection, dismantling and recycling of e-wastes to the registered recyclers. Though the rules came into force a few years back, still a large quantity of e-wastes is reaching the informal sector and thereby leading to unauthorized dismantling and thereby causing hazardous constituent reaching out environment.
Today looking at the current e-waste disposal scenario in the southern state of India, RLG India proudly announces its first centre in Kottayam, partnering with Eco Friendly Solutions, with commendable in-roads already made in sourcing e-wastes since early October 2019. Approximately 20,000 kilos of e-waste were collected and sent to RLG’s registered recycling partners in Panipat and Bangalore in past one month, the company is expecting to see bigger numbers in the near future. We are also submitting the returns to the regulatory authority, Kerala State Pollution Control Board which is a statutory requirement.
With a commitment to help build a sustainable and greener environment, RLG aims to plug the flow of e-waste into landfills and illegal dismantling areas that leads to poisoning of the ecosystem. With well-organized and systematic collection and recycling process in place, the company is working towards streamlining the unorganized e-waste sector, and thus helping create better job opportunities and wealth, that would help boost the Indian economy and to have a healthy environment for our future generations.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Kottayam center, Ms. Radhika Kalia, Managing Director, RLG, shared why the company opted for God’s own country as its next collection hub. She said, “Based on data available, the colossal amount of e-waste, being generated in Kerala, has upsurged many folds in the last decade, assuming enormous proportions. Inadequate provisions to manage the e-waste generated by various government institutions and private parties has provided us an opportunity to reach out and assist in tackling this rapidly-growing environmental issue and to help in bringing the e-waste to the formal sector.”
She further added, “This unorganized sector has huge potential to contribute to India’s economy and generate employment. At RLG, we are focused, to open up new avenues for the unemployed and cater for a better standard of living.”
Faisal Kannamparambil , Director of Eco Friendly Solutions, while talking about the proper e-waste disposal management process, mentioned, “We, at Eco Friendly Solutions, are looking forward to a long and fruitful association with RLG. We are delighted to offer our services to help eradicate this fast-growing environmental threat to mankind, by ensuring that the citizens of Kerala are well-informed and educated on the proper disposal and recycling methods of electronic waste materials.”
Also speaking at the inauguration, Sheela Moses, Environment Scientist,
Kerala State Pollution Control Board, said, “Kerala is still reeling under the aftermath of last year’s floods. The contaminated waste, including electronic waste, is the cause of health and environmental hazards. While various government bodies and affiliated institutions are working hard to bring back Kerala back to its former glory, a tie-up with companies like RLG is a step in the right direction to reduce the carbon imprint on the ecology. We hope that this association would help spread awareness of the correct methods of disposing off obsolete electronics by the citizens and ensuring that each one of us does our bit in conserving the natural resources.”
