This story is from April 9, 2021

Not even 1% e-waste recycled in state

Not even 1% e-waste recycled in state
Nagpur: Of the total e-waste generated in Maharashtra, not even 1% was recycled or dismantled in 2019-20, reveals data of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
This, and various other facts, were revealed during the virtual town hall on waste management held on Thursday. Organised by Climate Voices in association with state’s environment and climate change department, the town hall was hosted by NGO Waatavaran Foundation with an aim of obtaining recommendations on solid waste management solutions.
Data presented during the talk showed that a total of 84 lakh tonnes of municipal solid waste was generated in 2019-20 while 22,945 tonnes is being generated across the state daily.
“Of the daily waste generated, 22,685 tonnes or 98.7% was being collected and 15,980 tonnes or 70% was being scientifically treated. The total figure for waste being scientifically treated has touched 80% in 2021,” said Nandkumar Gurav, Regional Officer (Headquarters) at MPCB.
The state also generated 4.4 tonnes of plastic waste, of which 88% was collected while 61% was channelized for recycling and use. “We are finding it very difficult to audit waste generation and need a common platform to address this, and this is a key recommendation from MPCB to be included in the State Climate Action Plan,” added Gurav.
Maharashtra has been annually reporting the highest quantity of waste among all states for the past five years, According to the government, funds and detailed plans are in place and what is needed is a strong administrative will to achieve highest waste management standards.
Manisha Mhaiskar, principal secretary of state environment and climate change department, said, “The administrations from towns and cities should engage with the community. We have sufficient funds as well as plans and now all we need is will for implementation.”

Mhaiskar also added that all the recommendations received in the town hall will be put together as a climate action agenda and submitted to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and environment minister Aaditya Thackeray on June 5 (World Environment Day).
During the discussions, Leena Buddhe, director of Centre for Sustainable Development, highlighted waste management challenges in Nagpur. “The residents feel that all their efforts in segregating waste is going waste as all types of garbage is collected in one vehicle. Also, there is no plan in place for door-to-door waste collection in slums,” she said.
The expert added that collection system for sanitary and household bio-medical waste also remains missing. “Door-to-door waste collection needs to be more effective. Decentralised waste management must be thought about and implemented,” she said.
WASTING THAT
- Of total e-waste generated in state – 10 lakh tonnes/annum — less than 1% recycled or dismantled in 2019-20
- Only 975.25 tonnes of e-waste was recycled while 11,015.49 tonnes was dismantled in the formal sector
- A total of 84 lakh tonnes of municipal solid waste was generated in the state in 2019-20
- 80% of it scientifically treated in 2021
- Government says funds are in place, will to implement needed
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA