E-waste is also defined as electronic waste and it currently ranks among the world’s most rapidly expanding waste categories. Due to the fast rate of emergence of newer technology, previous electronics are often times disposed of thus contributing to the e-waste problem. An adequate approach to dealing with this form of waste is vital in order to control the health and environmental hazards associated with it. The disposal of e-waste also requires the stripping of electronic products to component form and sharing. In India this process is controlled by the respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) where SPCBs grant license to the e-waste dismantler.

Implication of the Term E-Waste Dismantling and Its Significance in Gujarat

E-waste consist of leads, mercury, and cadmium that are regarded as environmentally and health hazardous and hence pose severe impacts when not disposed correctly. Dismantling refers to the act of physically disassembling electronics to get the constituent pieces or components and actually, the pieces or components can be recycled properly, reused, or disposed.

Advantages of E-Waste Dismantling Licenses in Gujarat

Following are the advantages of E-Waste Dismantling-

• Resource Recovery: Products such as precious metal and other valuable materials; can be extracted and reused.
• Environmental Protection: Prevents the generation of waste that would otherwise be disposed of in the environment which affects the soil and water.
• Health Safety: Reduces the use of hazardous substances affecting the workers and the community at large.
• Reduced Liability: Obeying some laws and code of ethics reduces the chances of being taken to court or suffering a loss through the environmental impacts.
• Client Confidence: Consumers are willing to surrender end-of-use ‘‘electronic items to licensed dismantlers’’ because they know their data will be kept private.
• Government Incentives: As shall be seen later, licensed entities may be in a position to receive subsidies, grants and other forms of financial support from the government as and when the government set out incentives as a way of encouraging the sustainable type.

Role of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) in Gujarat

SPCBs play a pivotal role in regulating and managing e-waste dismantling activities. Their responsibilities include:

• Issuing Licenses: SPCBs are said to approve the license for the e-waste dismantler to operate subject to the recognized standards and guidelines.
• Monitoring Compliance: Supervisions and inspections that make check-and-balances in the mannerisms and activities of dismantlers in accordance to environmental standards and policies.
• Public Awareness: Most importantly, public awareness and that of business about proper e-waste disposal as well as work of licensed dismantlers.

Documents Required for E-Waste Dismantling Licenses in Gujarat

Here is a list of typical documents required for obtaining such a license:

• Aadhar card of the authorized person
• PAN card of the authorized person
• Factory license/trade license
• Electricity bill of the Unit Location
• Layout/plan
• Certificate of Incorporation (CIN)
• MOA (Memorandum of Association) (If required)
• Board resolution for appointing an authorized person
• GST certificate
• Proof related to the installed unit
• The State Pollution Control Board has provided approval to operate in accordance with The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• A registration certificate has been issued by the DIC (District Industries Centre) or another authorized agency.
• The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) has granted approval to establish operations under The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• In case of renewal, a compliance certificate for effluent and emission standards, as well as for the treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes, must be obtained from the relevant SPCB or another competent agency.

Process of obtaining an E-Waste Dismantling License in Gujarat

The process of obtaining an e-waste dismantling license from an SPCB involves several steps:

• Application Submission: The dismantler has to submit an application to the respective SPCB in the format of Form-II which contains information regarding the facility, processes, and safety procedures.
• Site Inspection: For some specific types of facilities, like the dismantling facilities in this case, the SPCB has to pay a visit to the site of the issue and conduct an inspection to assess the level of compliance in terms of environmental and safety provisions.
• Document Verification: The dismantler must give documents including, the environmental effects of the activity, how the waste will be managed and how safety will be ensured during the process.
• Approval and Issuance: Once the SPCB is fully convinced with the measures being taken for compliance and safety, the dismantling license is issued.
• Periodic Renewals: It has to be renewed from time to time and this means that one will periodically have to conform to the provisions of the law and the laid down standard.

Space Needed by Dismantlers in Gujarat

Dismantlers require a space for stockpiling electric and electronics equipment for a maximum of 180 days, space for dismantling and volume reduction activities to be performed, space for storing dismantled and separated materials, and an open space for strictly office/administration movement. For a dismantling rate of 1Ton per day the minimum floor space required will the storage space for raw materials, segregated waste, dismantling activities, offices, and other needs which sum up to approximately 300 square meters.

Process involved in Dismantling in Gujarat

The process aims to recover valuable materials and properly dispose of hazardous components. Here's a detailed look at the steps involved in e-waste dismantling:

• Collection and Transportation: Collect the e-waste in one place or from where it was collected and take it to the dismantling centers.
• Sorting and Categorization: For electronic waste collection, it is grouped by device type and the reusable parts are removal.
• Dismantling: Manually or automatically break down equipment into sub assemblies.
• Component Segregation: Sort scraps metals (ferrous, non-ferrous), recycle plastics, glass; take and sort precious metals.
• Hazardous Material Handling: Non-toxic: dispose with batteries, CRTs, LCDs and other risky parts.
• Shredding and Crushing: Sort non hazardous materials to make them ready for the following procedures.
• Separation Processes: It is possible to sort the materials based on the magnetism, eddy currents, and air classification among other techniques.
• Refining and Recycling: Separated process for reuse or recycled.
• Disposal of Residual Waste: Take out and dispose off non-recyclable items in the right manner.
• Documentation and Reporting: Keep organizational records and files; complete and submit required compliance reports to the authorities.