Hazardous waste

Hazardous Waste: any waste, which by reason of characteristics, such as physical, chemical, or biological is reactive, toxic, flammable, explosive or corrosive, and causes danger to health, or the environment.

It comprises the waste generated during the manufacturing processes of commercial products such as industries involved in petroleum refining, production of pharmaceuticals, petroleum, paint, aluminium, electronic products etc. As per the information furnished by CPCB in the year 2015, the total hazardous waste generation in the country is 7.46 million metric tonnes per annum from about 44,000 industries.

Problems of unscientific disposal of Hazardous and other waste:

Burning/Incineration of Hazardous waste generally leads to the emission of toxic fumes comprising of Dioxins & Furans, Mercury, and heavy metals.

• It causes air pollution and associated health-related problems. 
• Dioxins & Furans are Persistent organic pollutants.
• Disposal in water bodies/municipal dumps: toxic releases due to leaching in land & water entailing into degradation of soil and water quality. 
• Effects on Workers: They might suffer from neurological disorders, skin diseases, genetic defects, cancer etc. 

Hence, there is a need for systematic management of hazardous and other waste in an environmentally sound manner by way of prevention, minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery, and utilisation including co-processing and safe disposal of waste.

Importance of Proper Hazardous Waste Management: 

Scientific disposal of hazardous waste through collection, storage, packaging, transportation & treatment, in an environmentally sound manner minimises the adverse impact on human health & on the environment. 

• The hazardous waste can be disposed of at a captive treatment facility installed by the individual waste generators or at Common Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs).  There are 40 Common Hazardous Waste TSDFs available in 17 States/UTs.
• Material and energy recovery: 
  • Hazardous waste (lead acid battery, used oil, waste oil, spent catalyst) and 
  • Other wastes (tyres, paper waste, metal scrap) are used as raw material by the industries involved in recycling such waste and as supplementary resources. 
• Recycling: It is always preferable to utilise such waste through recycling, or for resource recovery to avoid disposal through landfill or incineration. There are about 1080 registered recyclers; 47 cement plants permitted for co-processing; and about 108 industries permitted for utilisation of hazardous waste.

<trstyle=”background-color: #fff2cc; “>E-Waste Management RulesCities, towns, IT hubs, manufacturing industriesDiscarded electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) like computers, mobile phones, TVs, batteriesEPR, Setting up e-waste collection centres, ensuring proper disposal, and promoting awareness,

Rules	Applicability Areas	Applicable on Material	Responsibility of Local Body
Solid Waste Management Rules	Urban and rural areas, municipalities, residential complexes, commercial establishments (rural areas included in 2016)	Biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and inert waste	Collection, segregation, transportation, processing, and disposal of waste; promoting composting and recycling
Plastic Waste Management Rules	Cities, towns, industrial zones, commercial and residential areas	Single-use plastics, multi-layered plastics, plastic packaging	Ensuring collection, segregation, and proper disposal; enforcing plastic ban and recycling measures
Hazardous Waste Management Rules	Industrial zones, healthcare facilities, chemical plants, factories	Chemical waste, biomedical waste, toxic and flammable substances	Identifying, monitoring, and ensuring safe disposal of hazardous waste to prevent contamination
Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules	Urban and peri-urban areas, construction sites, infrastructure projects	Debris, concrete, bricks, metals, wood, and other construction waste	Collection, transportation, and processing of C&D waste; promoting recycling and reuse
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)	Nationwide; applies to producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs)	Plastic waste, e-waste, batteries, packaging waste	Local bodies coordinate with producers to implement collection, recycling, and proper disposal through authorized recyclers

Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016: –

For the first time, Rules have been made to distinguish between Hazardous Waste and other wastes. 

• Other wastes include: Waste tyres, paper waste, metal scrap, used electronic items, etc. and are recognized as a resource for recycling and reuse. These resources supplement the industrial processes and reduce the load on the virgin resources of the country.
• Waste Management hierarchy in the sequence of priority of prevention, minimization, reuse, recycling, recovery, co-processing; and safe disposal has been incorporated.
  • The basic necessity of infrastructure to safeguard the health and environment from the waste processing industry has been prescribed as Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs), specific to the waste type, which has to be complied with by the stakeholders and ensured by SPCB/PCC while granting such authorisation.
  • Co-processing as a preferential mechanism over disposal for use of waste as a supplementary resource, or for recovery of energy has been provided. 
• Responsibilities of State Government:
  • To set up/ allot industrial space or sheds for recycling, pre-processing and other utilization of hazardous or other waste.
  • To register the workers involved in recycling, pre-processing and other utilization activities.
  • To form groups of workers to facilitate setting up such facilities.
  • To undertake industrial skill development activities and ensure the safety and health of workers.
  • List of processes generating hazardous wastes has been reviewed taking into account technological evolution in the industries.
  • List of Waste Constituents with Concentration Limits has been revised as per international standard and drinking water standard. 
  • State Government is authorized to prepare an integrated plan for effective implementation of these provisions, and have to submit annual report to MoEFCC.
• SPCB is mandated to prepare an annual inventory of the waste generated; waste recycled, recovered, utilised including co-processed; waste re–exported and waste disposed and submit to the CPCB by the 30th day of September every year.
• Simplification of procedures: 
  • All the forms under the rules for permission, import/export, filing of annual returns, transportation, etc. have been revised significantly, indicating the stringent approach for management of such hazardous and other wastes with simultaneous simplification of procedure.
  • Single window clearance: For All the approvals for setting up of hazardous waste disposal facility and import of other wastes.
  • Import/export of waste: Procedures under the Rules has been streamlined by simplifying the document-based procedure and by revising the list of waste regulated for import/export. The import of metal scrap, paper waste and various categories of electrical and electronic equipment for re-use purpose has been exempted from the need of obtaining Ministry’s permission.
  • Co-processing of hazardous waste: The approval process for co-processing to recover energy has been streamlined and put on emission norms basis rather than on trial basis.
• The following items have been prohibited for import:
  • Waste edible fats and oil of animals, or vegetable origin;
  • Household waste;
  • Critical Care Medical equipment;
  • Tyres for direct re-use purpose;
  • Solid Plastic wastes including Pet bottles;
  • Waste electrical and electronic assemblies scrap;
  • Other chemical wastes especially in solvent form. 

E-Waste

 E-Waste: The discarded and end-of-life electronics products ranging from computers, equipment used in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), home appliances, audio and video products and all their peripherals are popularly known as Electronic waste (E-waste).

10Lakh tonnes e-waste generated in 2020 – Government in Parliament (2022 Budget session)

R2 code of practices: Responsible Recycling – for E wastes.

• Hazards of e-waste: The hazardous and toxic substances found in e-waste include:
  • Lead is primarily found in all electronic products/assemblies, cathode ray tubes (CRT), printed circuit boards (PCBs) etc.
  • Cadmium is found in monitors/ CRTs, PCBs, computer batteries, metal enclosures/ metal parts.
  • Mercury in switches and flat-screen monitors. Mercury is also found in CFL, relays etc.
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are found in capacitors and transformers. These are highly carcinogenic.
  • Brominated flame retardant on printed circuit boards, plastic casings, cable and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cable sheathing for insulation and PBD/PBDE in plastic parts of electronics.
• E-waste in India: India generates about 2 million tonnes of e-waste annually and ranks 5th after US, China, Japan and Germany.

India’s first e-waste clinic: set up by an agreement between Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) & CPCB  

• It would enable segregation, processing and disposal of waste from both household and commercial units. The CPCB will provide technical support at the unit.
• The clinic is a three-month pilot project. If it would be a success, then the same would be replicated throughout the country.
• E-waste will be collected door-to-door or could be deposited directly at the clinic in exchange for a fee.
• It is being conceived in compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016

The objective of channel the E-waste generated in the country towards authorized dismantlers and recyclers in order to formalize the e-waste recycling sector.

1. Scope: The applicability of the rules has been extended to components, consumables, spare parts of electric & electronic equipment (EEE) etc.
   • Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury containing lamp brought under the purview of rules.
2. Collection mechanism-based approach has been adopted to include collection centre, collection point, take back system etc for collection of e – waste by Producers under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

• Provision for Pan India EPR Authorization by CPCB has been introduced replacing the state wise EPR authorization.
• Collection and channelization of e – waste in EPR – The phase wise Collection Target for e – waste, which can be either in number or Weight shall be: 

1. 30% of the quantity of waste generation as indicated in EPR Plan during first two year. 
2. 40% during third and fourth years, 
3. 50% during fifth and sixth years and 
4. 70% during seventh year onwards.

1. Option has been given for setting up of: Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), e – waste exchange, e – retailer, Deposit Refund Scheme as additional channel for implementation of EPR by Producers to ensure efficient channelization of e – waste. Manufacturer, dealer, refurbisher and PRO have been introduced as additional stakeholders in the rules.

• Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO): It is defined as a professional organization authorized or financed collectively or individually by producers, which can take the responsibility for collection and channelization of e-waste generated from the ‘end-of-life’ of their products to ensure environmentally sound management of such e-waste.
• e – waste exchange: an independent market instrument offering assistance for independent electronic systems for sale and purchase of e – waste generated from end – of – life electrical and electronic equipment between agencies or organizations authorised under these rules.
• Deposit Refund Scheme: introduced as an additional economic instrument wherein: 

• Producer charges an additional amount as a deposit at the time of sale of the electrical and electronic equipment and 
• Returns it to the consumer along with interest when the end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment is returned.

• Dealer or retailer or e – retailer shall refund the amount as per take back system or Deposit Refund Scheme of the producer to the depositor of e – waste. He would be needed to collect the e – waste by providing the consumer a box and channelize it to Producer.
• e – waste generated during the manufacture: responsibility of the manufacturer of any electrical and electronic equipment to channelise it for recycling or disposal and seek authorization from SPCB.
• e-waste Refurbisher: will collect e-waste generated during the process of refurbishing and channelise the waste to authorised dismantler or recycler through its collection centre and seek one-time authorization from SPCB.
• Transportation of e – waste shall be carried out as per the manifest system whereby the transporter shall be required to carry a document (three copies) prepared by the sender, giving the details.
• Bulk Consumer: has to file annual returns.
• Ease of Implementation:

• Flexibility has been given for the implementation of these provisions.
• Registration/ authorization for dismantling and recycling through one system i.e. Authorization instead of both registration and authorisation.
  • No authorization required to build a collection centre.

4. Roles of the State Government: 

• to ensure safety, health and skill development of the workers involved in the dismantling and recycling operations.
• Department of Industry in State (or any other authorized dept.) is to ensure earmarking or allocation of industrial space or shed for e – waste dismantling and recycling in the existing and upcoming industrial park, estate and industrial clusters.
• Department of Labour: 

1. need to ensure recognition and registration of workers involved in dismantling and recycling; 
2. assist formation of groups of such workers to facilitate setting up dismantling facilities; 
3. undertake industrial skill development activities for the workers involved in dismantling and recycling; and 
4. undertake annual monitoring and to ensure safety & health of workers involved in dismantling and recycling.

• State Government to prepare integrated plan for effective implementation of these provisions, and to submit annual report to M/o EFCC.

1. Liability for damages caused to the environment or third party due to improper management of e – waste including provision for levying financial penalty for violation of provisions of the Rules has also been introduced.
2. Urban Local Bodies has been assigning the duty to collect and channelized the orphan products to authorized dismantler or recycler.

Amendments in E-Waste Management Rules 2016: 

Some of the salient features are as follows:

1. The e-waste collection targets under EPR have been revised and will be applicable from 1 October 2017. The phase-wise collection targets for e-waste in weight shall be: 

1. 10% of the quantity of waste generation as indicated in the EPR Plan during 2017-18, 
2. with a 10% increase every year until 2023. 
3. After 2023 onwards, the target has been made 70% of the quantity of waste generation as indicated in the EPR Plan.
4. India recycled only 32.9 per cent of the e-waste generated in 2021-2022;

1. Separate e-waste collection targets have been drafted for new producers, i.e. those producers whose number of years of sales operation is less than the average lives of their products.
2. Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) shall apply to the CPCB for registration to undertake activities prescribed in the Rules.
3. Under the Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) provisions, cost for sampling and testing shall be borne by the government for conducting the RoHS test. If the product does not comply with RoHS provisions, then the cost of the test will be borne by the Producers.

Construction Waste Management Rules

The construction and demolition waste generated is about 530 million tonnes annually. 

Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Management Rules, 2016: Issued by MoEFCC.

Salient features of C&D waste Rules, 2016

• Application: To everyone who generates C&D waste.

• Duties of waste Generators:

1. 1. • Every waste generator shall segregate C&D waste and deposit at collection centre or handover it over to the authorised processing facilities
        • Ensure that there is no littering/deposition; to prevent obstruction to the traffic or the public or drains.
      • Large generators (>20 tons/day or 300 tons/month) shall submit a waste management plan and get appropriate approvals from the local authority before starting construction, demolition or remodelling work,
        • They shall have an environment management plan to address the likely environmental issues from construction, demolition, storage, transportation process & disposal/reuse of C & D Waste.
        • They shall segregate waste into four streams: concrete; soil; steel, wood & plastics, bricks & mortar,
        • They shall pay relevant charges for collection, transportation, processing and disposal as notified by the concerned authorities;

• Duties of Service Providers and Contractors: prepare a comprehensive waste management plan.

1. 1. • Remove all C&D waste in consultation with the concerned local authority on their own or through any agency.

• Duties of State Government and Local Authorities:

• State Govt.:

1. 1. • • The Secretary, UDD in the State Government shall prepare their policy with respect to the management of C&D of waste within one year from the date of final notification of these rules.
        • State Government shall provide suitable sites for setting up of the storage, processing and recycling facilities for C&D waste within 1.5 years from the date of final notification of these rules.
      • Town and Country Planning Department shall incorporate the site in the approved land use plan so that there is no disturbance to the processing facility on a long-term basis.
        • Shall procure & utilize 10-20% of materials made from C&D waste in municipal and Government contracts.
      • Local Authority (LA): shall place appropriate containers for collection of waste, removal at regular intervals, and transportation to appropriate sites for processing and disposal.
        • Sanction the waste management plan by a large generator of C&D waste.
        • Seek assistance from concerned authorities for the safe disposal of C&D waste contaminated with industrial hazardous or toxic material or nuclear waste if any;
        • Give appropriate incentives to the generator for salvaging (saving from being lost), processing and or recycling preferably in-situ;
        • Local Authority shall establish a database and update it once a year,

• City Level: Processing & Disposal facility within the time frame from the date of notification of these rules.

• Million plus cities (2011 census): shall commission the processing and disposal facility within one-and-a-half years from the date of final notification of these rules

1. 1. • • 0.5 to 1 million cities, shall commission the processing and disposal facility within two years.

• Other cities (<0.5 million): shall commission the processing and disposal facility within three years.

• Duties of CPCP, SPCB or Pollution Control Committee (PCC)

1. 1. • CPCB shall prepare operational guidelines related to the environmental management of such waste.
      • SPCB shall grant authorization to the C&D waste processing facility
      • Monitor the implementation of these rules by the concerned local bodies
        • Submit an annual report to the CPCB and the State Government.

• Standards for products of C&D waste

1. 1. • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) need to prepare a code of practices and standards for products of C&D waste.
      • Indian Roads Congress need to prepare standards and practices pertaining to products of C&D waste in road construction.

• Duties of Central Ministries

1. 1. • MoUD, and MoRD, Ministry of Panchayat Raj, shall facilitate local bodies in compliance with these rules;
      • MoEFCC shall review the implementation of these rules as and when required.

• Facility for processing/recycling facility:

1. • The operator of the facility shall obtain authorization from the SPCB or Pollution Control Committee (PCC).
   • The processing/recycling site shall be away from habitation clusters, forest areas, water bodies, monuments, National Parks, Wetlands and places of important cultural, historical or religious interest.
   • The processing/recycling facility exceeding five Tonnes per day capacity, shall maintain a buffer zone of no development around the facility.

Implications of the Rules

• Sustainable waste management:
  • Duties of waste generators and service providers would envisage people’s participation (Jan Bhagidari) in the scientific management of C & D waste
  • Segregation and channelling the C & D waste will improve the other waste utilisation and management namely organic waste for composting, high calorific waste for energy recovery etc.
• Extended Producers Responsibility: The waste generator (Service provider) has been made responsible for waste generated by them in public places to authorized C&D waste recycling facilities.
• It seeks the Special attention of Local bodies.
• Recycling: This will prevent indiscriminate disposal and ensure the scientific conversion of C&D waste into useful raw materials for buildings/ construction.
• Infrastructure for C&D waste Management: Currently it is either not available or wherever it is available is inadequate or not operating efficiently. The provisions envisage administrative and other logistic support from the State Governments to the entrepreneurs interested in the C&D Waste Management Sector.
• Duties of the SPCB / PCC: SPCB would assess and ensure the availability and adequacy of infrastructure with C&D facilities to meet the prescribed environmental norms. It would also help in getting authentic data on the quantum of C & D waste generation and the country’s recycling capacity in due course of time.
• Duties of CPCB: It shall prepare operational guidelines related to the environmental management of C&D waste. This is to provide technical support to local bodies, waste recyclers and other stakeholders.
• Duties of the Bureau of Indian Standards and Indian Roads Congress:  to ensure building materials made out of C&D Waste do not jeopardize structural safety and life. Further, it ensures the authenticity of products made from C&D waste and creates confidence among the stakeholders in the utilization of such products.
• Duties of Central Govt: MoUD, and MoRD, Ministry of Panchayat Raj, shall facilitate local bodies in compliance with these rules. It Envisages technical and financial support to the State Agencies from the Central Government for the implementation of these Rules and modification of rules according to the requirement in future.
• Timeframe for Implementation: It would ensure the State Government and local authorities plan and execute the required waste management system so as to achieve the objective of the rules. The rules envisage access to C&D waste management facilities within two years and overall these rules would support the Clean India Mission of the Government (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan)

Fly Ash

It is a fine powder, which is the by-product of burning coal in thermal power plants.

Composition: Fly ash includes substantial amounts of oxides of silica, aluminium and calcium. Elements like Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, lead etc. are also found in trace concentrations.

Problems created by Fly Ash

• Soil Contamination: 
  • It increases its water-holding capacity but reduces its hydraulic conductivity.
  • Reduces microbial activity in soil.
  • Changes pH.
• Groundwater contamination: leaching of heavy metals into groundwater.
• Wet Storage is a problem: large storage is stable for a long period but once an embankment is breached, the resulting flood can pollute a huge area; and is difficult to control due to the high density of wet material. For example, In April 2020, Reliance Power’s Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) in the Sasan area of Singrauli fly ash dyke collapsed. The flood of the toxic ash slurry from the collapsed dyke located in adjoining Harhawa village washed away six persons.
• It does not degrade for a long time.

Fly ash Generation in India:  

India Produced 217.04 million tons in 2018-19 and 77.59% of it was utilized. This is mostly produced by the Thermal Power plants.: Low-grade coal power plants in India are major producers of fly ash. 

• India’s Lignite has 30-45 % Ash content whereas imported Anthracites have 10-15%.
• It requires a large area of land for its disposal and is also one of the sources of air & water pollution.

Methods of scientific disposal

• Dry Method: Electrostatic precipitation (ESP) enables the collection of dry Fly Ash which is then transported by trucks or conveyors at a site and disposed of by constructing a dry embankment.
• Wet Method: Fly Ash is mixed with water and transported as slurry through the pipe and disposed of in ash ponds or dumping areas near the plants.

Government Measures to Promote Fly Ash Utilization

Central Electricity Authority (CEA) on behalf of M/o Power has been monitoring the fly ash generation and its utilization in the country at coal/lignite-based thermal power stations since 1996-97.

Further, M/oEFCC issued the first directive for promoting fly ash utilisation in 1999. It was subsequently amended with notifications issued in 2003, 2009 and 2016. 2016 Notifications include provisions for the scientific disposal of fly ash –

1. Mandatory uploading of details of fly ash available on Thermal Power Station’s (TPS) website and updating of stock position at least once every month;
2. Increase in mandatory jurisdiction of the area of application from 100 km to 300 km;
3. Cost of transportation of fly ash to be borne entirely by TPS up to 100 km and equally shared between user and TPS for more than 100 km and up to 300 km;
4. The target of 100% Fly Ash utilization by 2017;
5. Mandatory use of fly ash-based products in all Government schemes or programmes e.g. Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, etc.

At the state level, Maharashtra became the first state to adopt the Fly Ash Utilisation Policy in 2016.

ASH TRACK is a mobile app for ash management created to help establish a link between fly ash users and power plant executives.

What is Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste is any waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health, the environment, or both, due to its toxic, reactive, corrosive, flammable, or infectious properties.

What are the sources of Hazardous Waste?

Major sources of hazardous waste include:
Industrial processes (chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical)
Healthcare (bio-medical waste)
Mining and metal industries
Agriculture (pesticides, fertilizers)
E-waste & Batteries
Households (paints, cleaners, insecticides)

What are the types of Hazardous Waste?

Types based on characteristics:
Toxic Waste
Reactive Waste
Corrosive Waste
Flammable Waste
Infectious Waste
Radioactive Waste

What is the impact of Hazardous Waste on the environment?

Impacts include:
Soil contamination
Water pollution (ground & surface water)
Air pollution (toxic fumes)
Bio-accumulation in plants & animals
Human health issues (cancer, skin diseases, respiratory issues)

What is the impact of Hazardous Waste on human health?

Hazardous waste can cause:
Cancer
Skin allergies
Reproductive issues
Neurological disorders
Genetic mutations
Respiratory problems