End-of-life fixed for electronic gadgets; must be scrapped after stipulated period

• The Union Government stipulates the end-of-life period for household gadgets

• This list includes washing machines, refrigerators, laptops, mobile phones, computers, and televisions, etc.

(Credits : Miljostyrelsen)

New Delhi – The Union Ministry of Forest and Environment has fixed the period of utility for 134 electronic gadgets. A directive that has been given that on completion of this period they have to be declared as e-waste and destroyed. Consumers will have to deposit these equipment and get a certificate to that effect, on completion of the prescribed time period.

A significant milestone in this endeavour is the establishment of the country’s first e-waste clinic. Located in MP Nagar Zone-2, this clinic is dedicated to the destruction and processing of e-waste generated from various sources, including computers, monitors, mice, keyboards, mobile phones, laptops, condensers, microchips, televisions, and washing machines. This pioneering initiative is a joint effort between the Central Pollution Control Board and the Bhopal Municipal Corporation.

As of April 1, 2023, a new law governing the disposal of e-waste has come into effect. Under this law, the onus falls on the e-waste producers to ensure responsible disposal. For instance, if a company manufactures washing machines, it must wait for ten years before producing new ones. However, to do so, it must first obtain a certificate confirming the destruction of 60% of the previously manufactured washing machines. Those who neglect this responsibility will face fines and even imprisonment. Penalty and imprisonment is prescribed for those who breach this law. Therefore, the customers using these gadgets will have to scrap them on completion of the period.

Validity period for the gadgets

Fridges	10 years
Ceiling fans	10 years
Washing Machines	10 years
Radio sets	8 years
Smartphones / Laptops	5 years
Tablets / iPads	5 years
Scanners	5 years