Dataserv APAC and MAIT Hold Workshop on E-waste Rules for Bulk Consumers

Online, October 2, 2013 (Newswire.com) - dataserv APAC, one of the leading global organizations for management of redundant electrical and electronic equipment, collaborated with MAIT, the apex body of IT manufacturers in India to hold an awareness workshop on 'E-waste Rules for Bulk Consumers'. The workshop was aimed at sensitising bulk consumers about the range of infrastructural support and facilities available from recyclers and discussing as well as highlighting key features of the E-Waste (Management & Handling) Rules 2011.

The E-waste Management and Handling Rules 2011 aim at reduction in the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment by specifying thresholds for use of hazardous material including lead, mercury and cadmium. The rules place the main responsibility of e-waste management on the producers of the electrical and electronic equipment by introducing the concept of 'extended producer responsibility" (EPR).

Amit Sardana, MD, dataserv APAC was a keynote speaker at the workshop and spoke about 'Infrastructural support available from Recyclers for the Bulk Consumers'. In his address, he highlighted various initiatives launched by dataserv APAC in this regard including the recent introduction of a free e-waste pick up service. Amit Sardana also announced the drop off facility for end of the life assets for the benefit of the Consumers, recently introduced in 30 cities. He was also a member of the panel which discussed 'Effective Implementation of E-Waste Rules'.

Speaking on the issue of effective e-waste management, Amit Sardana said, "The country is saddled with huge toxic waste, estimated to be more than 8 million tonnes. E-waste is mainly processed by informal units in India in an unethical manner through crude methods which are hazardous for the environment at large. Acting as an impetus for such units is the expectation of a resale value by bulk consumers. It is therefore crucial that manufacturers and bulk consumers realise their responsibility towards careful disposal of e-waste generated."

Other speakers present at the event included Mr. Anand Kumar, Senior Environment Engineer, Central Pollution Control Board; Mr. Anil Kumar, Director, Department of Environment, Delhi Government; Dr. Ashish Chaturvedi, Senior Technical Advisor, GIZ; Mr. Susheel Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forests and Mr. Bikas Singh, Head Government Affairs, Lenovo. The experts acknowledged that with the rapid technological advancement and growing obsolescence rate of electronics and electrical goods, disposal of e-waste is a critical issue faced by the country today.

Mr. Sardana concluded that "Through today's workshop we made an attempt to reach out to the Bulk Consumers and Manufacturers and offered them a sustainable solution for take back of the end of the life electrical and electronic equipment."

About dataserv APAC:

Established in December 2011, dataserv APAC Limited is headquartered in Gurgaon, India and operates a 10,000 Metric Tonne facility in Haryana, India with both asset recovery and recycling capabilities. dataserv is amongst the first global authorised recyclers under the new e-waste legislation in India.

dataserv APAC is part of the Dataserv Group, a global leader specialising in the reuse, environmentally-secure, ethical breakdown and recycling of e-waste. With a presence across Europe, US, Africa and Asia, the company is the world's largest remarketer of used electronic goods and a leading player in offering take-back services to global Original Equipment Manufacturers' (OEMs) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). dataserv is committed to driving sustainable e-waste management, and as the co-founder of the 'STEP' initiative set up by the United Nations, is working with government, industry and society to make a positive impact on the environment.