Yes, they can: 800kg e-waste recycled
out under the leadership of Rashmi Joshi, joint secretary, ECO-ROX, who organised awareness campaigns at all five locations, and ensured that the waste was collected properly and sent for recycling.
“E-waste contains more than a thousand different elements, many of which are toxic. The irresponsible handling can have disastrous effects on the environment and our health, especially due to metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and beryllium,” she said.
India’s 1,240 million population generates 18.5 lakh metric tonnes or 1.85 million kg of e-waste every year, the study found.
Dr Shubha Pandit, principal of KJ Somaiya College, said, “E-waste, if disposed unscientifically, can be dangerous for the environment and living beings. Hence, scientific disposal or recycling of e-waste it is essential for the sake of the planet.” An average Mumbaiite has been producing seven times the amount of e-waste in 2017 as compared to an average Indian, according to the study by NASSCOM Foundation, a non-profit organisation.
Mumbai produces 12 crore kg of e-waste in a year (9.6 kg of e-waste generated by one person).
“Modern technology owes ecology an apology. So, proper disposal of e-waste is a small contribution to conserving ecology,” said Dr Arundhati Chakrabarti, IQAC coordinator of KC College.
E-waste such as batteries, wires, chargers, cables, mobiles, headphones, monitors, printers, CPUS are some of the most hazardous types of waste, which are thrashed in the city’s dumping grounds. When disposed unscientifically, e-waste contaminates soil, ground water, and air, leading to environment and health hazards.
Residents said the initiative received a good response in their societies.
“We appealed to other residents through social media and also conducted a door-to-door campaign about the dangers of e-waste to the environment. Concerned citizens came forward to recycle the waste,” said Shalini Mohite, resident of Amar Baug Society.
“To avoid future disaster, we need to take positive steps now. Our society members discuss ways to recycle e-waste and make honest efforts towards environment conservation,” said Pratiksha Shinde, secretary, Akruti Atria Society.