VMCs e-waste mgmt clearly tip of iceberg

VADODARA: While the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) won wide accolades for its e-waste collection programme, it seems a long way before the problem can be resolved. According to the data available with city based Society for Clean Environment (SOCLEEN) the VMC network has been available to collect only 2.75 metric tonnes of e-waste against the estimated e-waste generation of 30,000 metric tonne in the city over the past year.
The data also reveals that broken electrical items which are considered to be the most harmful constitute only 10 per cent of the collection, while older appliances and gadgets like tape recorders and VCRs constitute the highest portion of the collection.
"We are operating a toll-free number where citizens can call and register what they want to dispose along with their address. In the past year we have received over 315 calls which is a positive sign," said a VMC official.
However, citizens are largely unaware of the programme and its functions. "I had read that VMC will start collecting discarded electronic appliances but I don't know whether they have started it or not. The toll free number is also difficult to find," said Ellora Park resident Prabha Sharma.
VMC has tied up with a private firm which then recycles the collected waste or disposes it safely. Authorities believe that the programme is on the right path and will become more effective in the coming years.
"This is for the first time that such a programme has been initiated in the city. We have planned out activities to spread more awareness and involve as many citizens as possible. We have tied with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) to maximize the reach," the official said.
According to experts, the problem is more with the citizens than the administration or the collection procedure. "The general population in our country is still unaware about how electronics are made and how they are harmful in the long run. Even the insulation cover over wires that are used in every home contains bromine which can affect our immune system," said SOCLEEN member Vaibhav Desai.
"Electronic appliances like every other thing have a life span. Beyond that time period if will harm you apart from the fact that you are using it or not. Improper handling will lead to significant risks to humans and the environment," added Desai.