Electronic Waste (E-Waste) means electrical and electronic equipment, whole or in part discarded as waste by the consumer or bulk consumer as well as rejects from manufacturing, refurbishment and repair processes. It comprises of end of life information technology and telecommunication (IT & Telecoms) equipment such as centralized data processing, mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, laptops, printers, use terminals, cellular phone, etc. and end of life consumer electrical and electronics such as television sets, refrigerator, air conditioner, washing machine and fluorescent and other mercury containing lamps. This equipment along with their EEE code are listed in schedule – I of the rules (Annexure-I).

E-waste contains useful material of economic benefit such as plastics, iron, glass, aluminum, copper, precious metals such as silver, gold, platinum, palladium and indium etc and rare earth elements such as lanthanum, neodymium etc. and hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury etc. and other toxic substances such as polychlorinated bi-phenyls, etched chemicals, etc. The most complex mix of substances is usually present in the printed circuit boards (PCBs)/ printed wiring boards (PWBs).

Yes, E-waste contains hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polychlorinated bi-phenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFR), etc.

E-waste can cause health risks and damage to environment if the E-waste is opened-up and attempts are made for retrieval of useful components or material in an un-scientific manner or if the material is disposed in open. The electronic and electrical equipment after their useful life may not cause any harm if stored safely in households/stores.