Himachal enforces strict E-Waste disposal rules to protect environment

In a decisive move towards responsible e-waste management, the Himachal Pradesh government has tightened enforcement of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. This step comes amid growing concerns that existing disposal practices were failing to meet national environmental standards, posing significant risks to both public health and the ecosystem.

Why the Change?

Previously, government offices followed outdated regulations such as the HPF Financial Rules, 2009, which lacked a structured approach to scientific e-waste disposal. Electronic waste was often auctioned off without proper oversight, raising concerns over hazardous waste handling. To address this, the Department of Environment, Science, Technology & Climate Change has now issued a new directive (Office Memorandum No. STE-F(2)-2/2017-loose, dated 9th December 2024), ensuring that all government-generated e-waste is disposed of responsibly.

What’s New?

Under the revised policy, all government departments, boards, corporations, and commissions must now dispose of e-waste through authorized collection centers, registered dealers, dismantlers, recyclers, or designated take-back service providers. Only entities approved by the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) or the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will be allowed to participate in e-waste auctions, ensuring compliance with scientific recycling and disposal norms.

Key Measures for Responsible Disposal

To strengthen compliance, the government has outlined the following steps:

• Banning the dumping of e-waste in open areas or mixing it with general waste.
• Requiring all e-waste to be handed over only to authorized recycling centers.
• Launching awareness campaigns to educate the public on responsible e-waste disposal.
• Mandating strict adherence to the new disposal framework across all government institutions.

A Call for Public Cooperation

The Himachal Pradesh government has urged government agencies, NGOs, and citizens to actively support this initiative. Improperly discarded e-waste can contaminate soil and water, releasing toxic chemicals that pose serious health hazards. By implementing this new policy, the state aims to become a model for scientific e-waste management and environmental sustainability.

Authorities are calling on residents to cooperate and dispose of e-waste responsibly, ensuring a cleaner, greener Himachal Pradesh for future generations.