Himachal Pradesh launches State-wide E-waste collection drive
Shimla, Oct 16
Himachal Pradesh is taking a proactive stance to combat the burgeoning issue of electronic waste, launching a state-wide “E-Waste Collection-cum-Awareness Drive” . In collaboration with M/s Shiwalik Waste Management Limited and M/s Inner Wheel Club of Shimla Midtown, the initiative aligns with World E-waste Day 2023, celebrated on October 14, 2023, informed a spokesperson.
He informed that Sanjay Gupta (IAS), Chairman of the HP State Pollution Control Board, flagged off a mobile van from the HPSPCB headquarters in Shimla.
This comprehensive campaign spans from October 16 to 21, 2023, and the mobile van is scheduled to visit different parts of the city. The drive began with a collection point at Phase-III HPSPCB HQ and continued at locations such as the DC Office Shimla, H.P. Secretariat, and several other regions, he added.
Letters have been dispatched to department heads within Shimla, urging employees to actively engage in the campaign and deposit their unused electronic devices in the mobile van.
The initiative extends beyond the city limits, said the spokesperson. The public is encouraged to participate, with 11 regional offices across Himachal Pradesh establishing collection kiosks from October 16 to 21, 2023. These offices are located in Baddi, Bilaspur, Mandi, Shimla, Rampur, Parwanoo, Dharmashala, Una, Paonta Sahib, Kullu, and Chamba.
To incentivize e-waste recycling, specific pricing has been established: Rs. 20/- for smartphones, Rs. 5/- per keypad phone, Laptop @ Rs. 120, computer @ Rs. 150/-, and Rs. 15/- for other types of electronic waste.
The exponential growth of e-waste represents one of the world’s most concerning waste streams. It poses significant environmental and health risks due to the toxic materials commonly found in electronic devices, including lead, cadmium, mercury, and flame retardants.
Anil Joshi (IFS), Member Secretary of the HP State Pollution Control Board, appealed to the citizens of Shimla to actively participate in the drive by depositing or donating their electronic waste to the mobile van. The collected e-waste will be directed to authorized dismantlers, refurbishers, and recyclers to ensure the environmentally responsible disposal of e-waste, as incorrect disposal methods can pose significant threats to human health and the environment, he concluded.
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